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Connections is a project of the New South Wales Department of Education and Communities (NSW DEC) unit - Distance And Rural Technologies (DART). Connections provides and co-ordinates video conferencing excursions for DEC schools, TAFEs and non NSW DEC schools. Connections video conferencing excursions bring students and teachers face to face with experts across the globe. Our excursions are designed to enrich and supplement curriculum across all stages and key learning areas.

Upcoming Excursions

How do you break into the Film/TV and advertising industry? What skills are needed to become a director? In this talk, Josh will give an overview of the filmmaking process. He will explore the different career options available and give insight into what happens behind the scenes of a production from a director’s perspective. Josh will take students from the development stage of a project through to pre-production, production and post-production. By the end of this session students will know more about how to pitch ideas and how to communicate with cast and crew. They will understand the importance of team work and collaboration in the industry.

ABOUT THE PRESENTER

Josh is a Sydney-based filmmaker. He studied directing at the University of Technology, Sydney (UTS), graduating from a Master of Media Arts and Production. He also holds a Bachelor of Media and a Bachelor of Laws from Macquarie University. Josh was previously selected for SBS Australia’s prestigious Media Mentorship and mentored by the Head of Documentaries. He has directed TV, content, music videos and currently directs Channel 9 tech show Cybershack.

This is one of the presentations in our CAREERS in ENGLISH, COMMUNICATION and MEDIA VIDEO CONFERENCE SERIES. Participation in more than one video conference session is encouraged.

Having completed degrees in anthropology and international relations and spent some time travelling around the world, Lise found herself accepting a job with the UK Ministry of Defence. Thrown into a world of rank, acronyms, and cold army bases she discovered a passion for exploring the complex journeys that lead individuals to both engage and disengage with violent extremism. In this talk Lise will debunk some of the most common myths around violent extremism, explore some of her current research in the preventative space and highlight the significant knowledge gaps that blight the terrorism domain. She hopes that by the end of the talk, students will be inspired to engage in careers that can help provide answers to some of these knowledge gaps.

ABOUT THE PRESENTER

Lise worked for the Ministry of Defence and then went on secondment to the Home Office. In 2010 in search of the sunshine she moved to Australia and joined Macquarie University. She currently leads the terrorism stream in the Department of Security Studies and Criminology. She continues to work with government departments and was recently awarded an Australian Research Council Discovery Grant to explore how young audiences interpret, engage with, and re-produce online violent extremist content.

This is one of the presentations in our CAREERS IN LAW AND CRIMINOLOGY VIDEO CONFERENCE SERIES. Participation in more than one video conference session is encouraged.

The National Portrait Gallery invites you on a virtual tour where you can experience one of our fun, curriculum-focused learning programs as if you were here in our unique building.In this Visual Arts program, suitable for primary audiences, students explore a selection of contemporary and historical portraiture to see how the artists reveal the fascinating stories of their iconic Australian subjects. With the help of our expert Gallery learning staff, they'll practice important visual and critical thinking skills to notice, interpret, and understand these techniques. Responding with a series of drawing activities, by the end of the session students will have a better understanding of how to look for meaning in art, and of the conventions of portraiture they can use in their own self-portrait.

Curriculum links:ACAVAR113 Identify intended purposes and meanings of artworks using visual arts terminology to compare artworks and describe how they have used visual conventions to represent their ideas.ACAVAM111 Use materials, techniques and processes to explore visual conventions when making artworks.ACAVAM110 Explore ideas and artworks from different cultures and times, including artwork by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, to use as inspiration for their own representations.ACHHK114 Experiences of Australian democracy and citizenship, including the status and rights of Aboriginal people and/or Torres Strait Islanders, migrants, women, and children.ACHHK116 The contribution of individuals and groups, including Aboriginal people and/or Torres Strait Islanders and migrants, to the development of Australian society.

Join the expeditioners at Casey Station, Antarctica, for a look into life on the highest, driest, windiest and coldest continent on earth. Talk to the station leader and staff who keep the station running over the long, cold winter.

See where they live, and find out about the work they do. Discover the details of their day-to-day life including what they eat, the weather, wildlife, transport, and what they do in their free time.

We will investigate the chemical properties of each slime and your students will make 3 of them during the conference! Fizzics Education will provide information on materials required prior to the event date.

Australian curriculum outcomes;

Natural and processed materials have a range of physical properties; these properties can influence their use (ACSSU074)Solids, liquids and gases have different observable properties and behave in different ways (ACSSU077)Changes to materials can be reversible, such as melting, freezing, evaporating; or irreversible, such as burning and rusting (ACSSU095)

In this exciting virtual excursion your students get the unique opportunity to remotely drive one of our research Mars rovers (Continuum, Mammoth or EMR-Mawson), from your very own Mission Control Room (your classroom) to conduct a scientific investigation on the Mars Yard (a re-creation of the surface of Mars) located at the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney. Your students will explore the various landforms and features of the Mars Yard to search for evidence of past and present life on Mars.

During the mission, students will drive the rover to sites of interest on the Mars Yard and take photographs using the rover’s camera. These images will be sent to your students to analyse after the mission.

To prepare for the Mars mission, your students can use our resources to:

Develop a scientific goal for the 60 Minutes on Mars mission (virtual excursion)

Familiarise themselves with the various rocks and formations they may find on the Mars Yard ie: rocks and formations formed by the action and processes of water (sedimentary rocks, fossils, hematites, etc)

Plan their mission path

Practice their rover driving skills using the Virtual Mars Yard

Post-excursion activities:

After the mission, your students can use our resources to:

Reflect on the investigation

Analyse the data collected on the mission to draw conclusions around Mars potentially having once had environments that could have supported life

In this exciting virtual excursion your students get the unique opportunity to remotely drive one of our research Mars rovers (Continuum, Mammoth or EMR-Mawson), from your very own Mission Control Room (your classroom) to conduct a scientific investigation on the Mars Yard (a re-creation of the surface of Mars) located at the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney. Your students will explore the various landforms and features of the Mars Yard to search for evidence of past and present life on Mars.

During the mission, students will drive the rover to sites of interest on the Mars Yard and take photographs using the rover’s camera. These images will be sent to your students to analyse after the mission.

To prepare for the Mars mission, your students can use our resources to:

Develop a scientific goal for the 60 Minutes on Mars mission (virtual excursion)

Familiarise themselves with the various rocks and formations they may find on the Mars Yard ie: rocks and formations formed by the action and processes of water (sedimentary rocks, fossils, hematites, etc)

Plan their mission path

Practice their rover driving skills using the Virtual Mars Yard

Post-excursion activities:

After the mission, your students can use our resources to:

Reflect on the investigation

Analyse the data collected on the mission to draw conclusions around Mars potentially having once had environments that could have supported life

In this exciting virtual excursion your students get the unique opportunity to remotely drive one of our research Mars rovers (Continuum, Mammoth or EMR-Mawson), from your very own Mission Control Room (your classroom) to conduct a scientific investigation on the Mars Yard (a re-creation of the surface of Mars) located at the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney. Your students will explore the various landforms and features of the Mars Yard to search for evidence of past and present life on Mars.

During the mission, students will drive the rover to sites of interest on the Mars Yard and take photographs using the rover’s camera. These images will be sent to your students to analyse after the mission.

To prepare for the Mars mission, your students can use our resources to:

Develop a scientific goal for the 60 Minutes on Mars mission (virtual excursion)

Familiarise themselves with the various rocks and formations they may find on the Mars Yard ie: rocks and formations formed by the action and processes of water (sedimentary rocks, fossils, hematites, etc)

Plan their mission path

Practice their rover driving skills using the Virtual Mars Yard

Post-excursion activities:

After the mission, your students can use our resources to:

Reflect on the investigation

Analyse the data collected on the mission to draw conclusions around Mars potentially having once had environments that could have supported life

Bring the convict story of Hyde Park Barracks Museum to your classroom with a virtual excursion!This theatrical presentation, woven together from historical source material, transports students back in time to learn about the life story of convict Ivan Gotney.Through active participation students gain insight into the daily lives of convicts at the barracks and the importance of convict labour to the development of the new colony.They are encouraged to observe, analyse and draw conclusions about historical sources.

This unique Digital Excursion, presented by an Aboriginal narrator, will take students on a journey of discovery around the area now known as Bennelong Point. Students will hear an oral history from the Aboriginal perspective from creation time and the ancestral spirits who formed the landscape, to pre-settlement and the arrival of the First Fleet, to today's iconic Sydney Opera House.Students will learn of the daily life of the clans that inhabited Sydney Cove, including the fishing rites and the oyster beds, and the connection between the Gadigal people and the land of Tyebowgule. They will also hear of the changes that came with the arrival of Governor Phillip, the struggles of the early settlers, and the fascinating story of the man called Bennelong..

This unique digital excursion, presented by an Aboriginal narrator, will take students on a journey of discovery around the area now known as Bennelong Point. Students will hear an oral history from the Aboriginal perspective ��� from creation time and the ancestral spirits who formed the landscape, to pre-settlement and the arrival of the First Fleet, to today��s iconic Sydney Opera House.

Students will learn of the daily life of the clans that inhabited Sydney Cove, including the fishing rites and the oyster beds, and the connection between the Gadigal people and the land of Tyebowgule. They will also hear of the changes that came with the arrival of Governor Phillip, the struggles of the early settlers, and the fascinating story of the man called Bennelong.

Curriculum Links

STAGES 2 & 3

HSIE: Units of Work- Australia: You��re Standing In It; Places: Then, Now and Tomorrow; Living in Communities; People and their Beliefs; Identity and Values; British Colonisation of Australia.

This unique digital excursion, presented by an Aboriginal narrator, will take students on a journey of discovery around the area now known as Bennelong Point. Students will hear an oral history from the Aboriginal perspective ��� from creation time and the ancestral spirits who formed the landscape, to pre-settlement and the arrival of the First Fleet, to today��s iconic Sydney Opera House.

Students will learn of the daily life of the clans that inhabited Sydney Cove, including the fishing rites and the oyster beds, and the connection between the Gadigal people and the land of Tyebowgule. They will also hear of the changes that came with the arrival of Governor Phillip, the struggles of the early settlers, and the fascinating story of the man called Bennelong.

Curriculum Links

STAGES 2 & 3

HSIE: Units of Work- Australia: You��re Standing In It; Places: Then, Now and Tomorrow; Living in Communities; People and their Beliefs; Identity and Values; British Colonisation of Australia.

This unique digital excursion, presented by an Aboriginal narrator, will take students on a journey of discovery around the area now known as Bennelong Point. Students will hear an oral history from the Aboriginal perspective ��� from creation time and the ancestral spirits who formed the landscape, to pre-settlement and the arrival of the First Fleet, to today��s iconic Sydney Opera House.

Students will learn of the daily life of the clans that inhabited Sydney Cove, including the fishing rites and the oyster beds, and the connection between the Gadigal people and the land of Tyebowgule. They will also hear of the changes that came with the arrival of Governor Phillip, the struggles of the early settlers, and the fascinating story of the man called Bennelong.

Curriculum Links

STAGES 2 & 3

HSIE: Units of Work- Australia: You��re Standing In It; Places: Then, Now and Tomorrow; Living in Communities; People and their Beliefs; Identity and Values; British Colonisation of Australia.

Students and teachers will experience a tour of the current exhibition: Alchemy-pop, at the Art Gallery of NSW Brett Whiteley Studio with Studio Coordinator, Alec George.

Whiteley’s most ambitious attempt at portraiture is the 18-panelled work titled Alchemy 1972–73. Exploring dualities – love and hate, life and death, order and chaos, security and rebellion, potential and opportunities lived and lost – it is a fascinating journey into addiction, the perceptions of identity, and the celebration of human experiences as well as the fears.

Alec George will examine the influence of Rimbaud, Gauguin, Van Gogh and Francis Bacon on Whiteley’s work.

Participants will explore this great Australian artist`s work, techniques and influences in this most unique and intimate of places, his gallery, home and studio.

Students will have the opportunity to ask questions throughout the studio and gallery tour and discussion.

Students and teachers will experience a tour of the current exhibition at the Brett Whiteley Studio and a tour of the artist's studio.

Sculpture is one of the most important but least recognised aspects of Brett Whiteley’s oeuvre. Employing a diversity of materials – wood, bronze, plaster, ceramics, fibreglass and found objects – Whiteley created startlingly expressive three-dimensional works largely inspired by his love of nature and its animate forms.

He stated that his interest in sculpture came from its dialogue with or 'bounce between’ painting. The two mediums constantly informed each other, with discoveries in one finding their expression in the other.

'Brett Whiteley: sculptures and ceramics' explores this vital relationship, showing Whiteley’s extraordinary gift for form was not limited to the pencil and brush, but extended into the transmutation of matter. Giraffes, sharks, pelicans and wrens populate the exhibition space, as well as sensitive, curvilinear distortions of the human figure.

This exhibition also shows some of Whiteley’s most important paintings including: Self portrait in the studio, 1976 and Big orange (sunset) 1975 as well as over 35 drawings and studies never displayed before.

During this interactive video conference students will explore the amazing world of ants that live in their school grounds. Students will learn about the importance of ants, their features and habitats and how to safely collect them. During the VC students will meet a scientist, Dr Kirsti Abbott who explains her work with ants. Students will conduct an investigation in the grounds of their school prior to the VC. Data and collected samples of ants will be packaged and sent to a scientist at a university for identification. Data will be collated onto the School Of Ants database. Each school will share the results of their scientific investigation. Students will create a dramatic observational drawing of an ant. The VC will conclude with a fun quiz.

Prepare your students for the performance of You Must Be An Angel with this digital storytelling workshop. A professional storyteller and dramaturg will help unpack some of Hans Christian Anderson��s famous tales, so that students are familiar with story lines and themes before they attend the show.

Join us in conversation with Andy Griffiths! Andy will be talking about his favourite things: writing, treehouses...and of course, jokes! Andy's latest book in his bestselling series is 'The 78-Storey Treehouse' and he joins us to discuss how he writes, why he writes, and what he loves to read. Bonus jokes included.

ANMM UNLOCKEDWith ANMM unlocked series, go behind the scenes at the museum and direct to our experts. Maritime Archaeology Manager Kieran Hosty will give students an insight into the role of an archaeologist and what happens before during and after a maritime archaeological expedition.

ANMM UNLOCKED With ANMM unlocked series, go behind the scenes at the museum and direct to our experts. History of swimwear launches in July highlighting how the swimsuit highlights trends in popular culture and attitudes to the body and athleticism as much as textile and design development, popular culture and the role of swimwear. Join curator Daina Fletcher as she discusses the historical, cultural and social contexts inherent in the evolution of swimwear from the 1900s to today.

Don’t let your students miss out on this special opportunity to meet with a curator and see some rare archaeology, ‘from the vault’ as well as visit a preserved dig.

In this one-off, live event your students will have the opportunity to speak with the curator at Hyde Park Barracks Museum, Dr. Fiona Starr. The artefacts the students will examine include one of the only surviving convict shirts, a convict shoe and more. These artefacts are so fragile they are not displayed in the museum, so they are not usually seen by the public. Students will discuss and analyse these rare primary sources and begin to understand how they give us insights into the experiences of the convicts who lived at the Barracks. They will also learn about how an archaeologist works by visiting an archaeological dig site called Parbury Ruins, where the foundations of an 1820s cottage, and later additions, are conserved beneath a modern building.

Explore the extraordinary Pictures Collection of the State Library of NSW in this exciting new series of video conferences held on Tuesdays (and one Wednesday) during Term 2. Highlighting five different artworks from the collection, this series will reveal their fascinating back stories before leading students in a step by step art making workshop. Join Andrea Sturgeon, a specialist art educator, as she guides your students through the Pictures Collection and into a workshop to create original artwork inspired by what they have seen. The second workshop in the series examines Margaret Ackland's work 'Pyrmont Bridge 1984'. Investigate the power of lines and shapes in this dynamic abstract artwork, and use these ideas to create an artwork inspired by images from the State Library photographic collections. Please note students will complete their artwork post video conference.

Explore the extraordinary Pictures Collection of the State Library of NSW in this exciting series of hands on, interactive video conferences held on Thursdays during Term 4. Highlighting five different artworks from the collection, this series will reveal their fascinating back stories before leading students in a step by step art making workshop. Join Andrea Sturgeon, a specialist art educator, as she guides your students through the Pictures Collection and into a workshop to create original artwork inspired by what they have seen. The third workshop in the series examines Nathaniel Dance's 'Captain James Cook', from the 18th century. Students will explore portrait drawing as a precursor to printmaking in colonial Australia, and analyse the tonal qualities of photographic images to create a sketch portrait. Please note students will complete their artwork post video conference.

Artist, designer and art educator, Kristine Ballard, will introduce your students the fundamentals of impressionist expression.

Your students will explore the origins of the impressionist style with examples from Monet and others and learn about the development of impressionism in Australia with reference to the pioneers in creating a unique Australian identitiy: Streeton, McCubbin and Condor.

Students will create their own masterpiece using tissue paper and other simple art techniques during the session.

Art educator, artist and graphic designer, Kristine Ballard, will show your students how to draw cartoons from scratch.

Starting with a quick history of cartooning Kristine will introduce the basic drawing techniques used to draw faces and bodies of cartoon characters.

A fantastic lesson to engage all students who will love the characters they create! The basic techniques will be presented using paper and pencil but may then be applied to any digital drawing application.

A substantial Teacher and Student Resource Kit is included and will be emailed to all registered schools.

Art educator, artist, graphic designer, Kristine Ballard will introduce your students to the world of 'colour and light' in painting. Kristine will teach your students how to use paint techniques to create the style of painting called Impressionism. All students will create their own version of one of the most famous paintings to mark the impressionist movement. If you haven't done a painting class with your students this year, now is your chanceA substantial Teacher and Student Resource Kit will be emailed to all schools on registration.

Pop Art was born from an explosion of art and advertising. Born in the 1960s in the USA, Pop Art was to change our perception of ‘great art' forever. Andy Warhol was one of the super heroes of Pop Art. He made himself a brand of the movement. Understand why his art was seen as such a radical change and why pop art is still relevant to the art world today.

Artist, designer and art educator, Kristine Ballard will teach your class why POP ART created such a shock and discover how artists of the time used art to question consumer behaviour. Students will learn the principles of design and an introduction to three dimensional space while creating their very own pop piece!

Art educator, artist and graphic designer, Kristine Ballard, will teach you and your students the the fundamentals of the abstract movement. Your students will explore the works of Kandinsky, Malevich, and other leaders of Abstraction and how they influenced contemporary artists such as Anish Kapoor and Barnett Newman.

Students will learn new ways of looking at and understanding how to read abstract art and create their own individual abstract masterpiece.

A highly engaging and interactive painting experience for you and your students!

A substantial Student and Resource Kit will be emailed to all schools on registration.

Art educator, artist and graphic designer, Kristine Ballard, will show your students how to draw cartoons from scratch.

Starting with a quick history of cartooning Kristine will introduce the basic drawing techniques used to draw faces and bodies of cartoon characters.

A fantastic lesson to engage all students who will love the characters they create! The basic techniques will be presented using paper and pencil but may then be applied to any digital drawing application.

A substantial Teacher and Student Resource Kit is included and will be emailed to all registered schools.

In this event, students will make a virtual visit to the Sydney studio of contemporary Australian artist Wendy Sharpe, listen to her discuss her practice with ARTEXPRESS curriculum consultant Wendy Ramsay, and have the opportunity to ask questions about her practice.Wendy Sharpe��s work ranges from figurative and urban landscape paintings and drawings. She is a very successful contemporary artist who won the Sulman Prize in 1986, the Archibald Prize in 1996 and is currently short listed for the 2014 Archibald Prize. Wendy was an official Australian War Artist in 1999 and went to East Timor. In 2012, she was commissioned to join the Centenary Voyage to Antarctica by the Mawson Hut Foundation as an Artist in Residence. Wendy works between her studios in Sydney and Paris.

In this event, students will make a virtual visit to the Sydney studio of contemporary Australian painter Jasper Knight, listen to him discuss his practice with ARTEXPRESS curriculum consultant Wendy Ramsay, and have the opportunity to ask questions about his practice.Jasper Knight��s work has been represented in both national and international exhibitions. He has been a finalist in the Archibald several times and his work is a mix of tactile, constructed, brightly coloured urban landscapes.

In this videoconference students and teachers will join leading Australian figurative painter, Wendy Sharpe in her inner Sydney studio. Wendy will talk about art, about her art-making practice and about the features of some of her works. Wendy will also respond to questions that students are invited to text in. The event will hold great interest for all senior students who are at various stages in developing their HSC Body of Work and will offer Stage 6 students the opportunity to reflect in the practice of the artist as exam preparation for the HSC Visual Arts Written Examination.Wendy Sharpe is one of Australia’s most awarded painters. She has won The Sulman Prize, The Marten Bequest Travelling Scholarship, The Portia Geach Memorial Award (on two occasions) and The Archibald Prize. Wendy’s major commissions include: • the Olympic pool size mural for Cook and Philip Park Aquatic Centre, Sydney;• the Australian War Memorial as an Australian Official Artist to East Timor 1999. Wendy was the first woman since World War II to win such a commission. • the Australian Ballet.

Wendy has also been awarded many artist residencies including two residencies at the Cite International des Arts Paris, a residency at the Australian embassy in Egypt two Antarctica residencies, and more recently a residency in Mexico and China . She is currently artist in residence with the famous Australian contemporary circus, Circus Oz. In 2016, Wendy was a finalist in the 2016 The Sulman Prize and the 2016 Archibald Prize. Both exhibitions are currently showing at the Art Gallery of NSW until 9 October. Wendy has held over 46 solo exhibitions around Australia and internationally.

Giant animals from dinosaurs to megafauna have roamed the Australian continent at different times. Find out about some of these Australian giants. Look at fossils and learn what they tell us about these extraordinary animals. Life sized reproductions and models will help us visualise life in the past.

Meet some of Australia��s ancient animals including our biggest and our most vicious predator. Discover how Palaeontologists study fossils and compare them with some living relatives.

The Video conference will look at ancient animals and how palaeontologists learn more about them. There will also be information on the different theories of extinction.

Is there life on other planets? The Earth is in the “Goldilocks Zone”. Like Goldilocks tasting baby bear’s porridge, humans live on a planet that is not too hot and not too cold – it is just right! Astronomers can use telescopes to peer deep into space, searching for planets beyond the solar system, and if a planet is ‘just right’, it could be perfect for alien life!

Be prepared for bushfire, flood and storm. Ready, Set Go, Kids Action Plan is program developed to prepare school students for some of the hazards of natural disasters. The session promotes disaster resilience for primary school students and encourages each student to develop their own home action plan and emergency kit. Be Prepared - Session 1 (19 May 2pm) will be an information based session presented by the Mark Darling from the SES and Rebecca Phillips from the Rural Fire Service. What to do in an emergency - Session 2 (20 May 11am) facilitated by the Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum in Bathurst will be a practical emergency plan session.

This Virtual Visit will enable students (K-6) to meet two of Australia's former Olympians, Alexandra Croak (Gymnastics and Diving) and Craig Stevens (Swimming). With the next Olympic Games to be held in Rio in 2016, this will be a great ooportunity to learn about the commitment required from an athlete to make it to the top of their field. Students can watch and listen to a short interview, then ask their own questions of Alex and Craig.

This Virtual Visit will enable students (7-12) to meet two of Australia's former Olympians, Alexandra Croak (Gymnastics and Diving) and Craig Stevens (Swimming). With the next Olympic Games to be held in Rio in 2016, this will be a great ooportunity to learn about the commitment required from an athlete to make it to the top of their field. Students can watch and listen to a short interview, then ask their own questions of Alex and Craig.

Taronga Zoo and Literature Live! have joined forces to present exciting, educational workshops that combine two great Australian loves: animals and books.

These unique sessions are designed to excite and inspire children about the wide range of Aussie animals we have, about the environment and protection of species, and about reading books and learning.

All sessions will be held at Taronga Zoo (Sydney) and will feature Aleesah Darlison, children��s author, and a Zoo Educator, PLUS some very special live animal guests!

Aleesah Darlison talks about the inspiration behind her picture book, Warambi, whose main character is a Little Bent-wing bat who loses her home and her family and sets up a roost in an unusual place. Aleesah also shows incredible photos and video footage of bats and reads Warambi.

The Zoo Educator will teach students all about bats, what they eat, where they live and how we can protect them. They introduce some of the animals from Aleesah��s book as well as other nocturnal creatures by bringing real live animals into the VC for children to view up close.

Questions will be allowed throughout this interactive presentation. Prior to the excursion, BAT PACKS will be sent to schools including Teacher��s Resources and Book Order Forms. A fun, educational and curriculum-focused National Year of Reading session for Kinder to Year 4 ��� not to be missed! View the Warambi book trailer at: http://bit.ly/eRyGwC.

Taronga Zoo and Literature Live! have joined forces to present exciting, educational workshops that combine two great Australian loves: animals and books.

These unique sessions are designed to excite and inspire children about the wide range of Aussie animals we have, about the environment and protection of species, and about reading books and learning.

All sessions will be held at Taronga Zoo (Sydney) and will feature Aleesah Darlison, children��s author, and a Zoo Educator, PLUS some very special live animal guests!

Aleesah will talk about her childhood growing up in the country where she learned to love animals. She will also reveal the inspiration behind her book, Puggle��s Problem, a story about a baby echidna. Aleesah will show amazing puggle video footage and read Puggle��s Problem.

The Zoo Education Officer will introduce some amazing live Australian animals. Students will have time to interact and ask questions throughout. These workshops foster education and a love of animals and books and are perfectly suited to the Curriculum.

Prior to the excursion, PUGGLE PACKS will be sent to schools which include worksheets and book order forms.

Taronga Zoo and Literature Live! have joined forces to present exciting, educational workshops that combine two great Australian loves: animals and books.

These unique sessions are designed to excite and inspire children about the wide range of Aussie animals we have, about the environment and protection of species, and about reading books and learning.

All sessions will be held at Taronga Zoo (Sydney) and will feature Aleesah Darlison, children��s author, and a Zoo Educator, PLUS some very special live animal guests!

Aleesah will talk about her childhood growing up in the country where she learned to love animals. She will also reveal the inspiration behind her book, Puggle��s Problem, a story about a baby echidna. Aleesah will show amazing puggle video footage and read Puggle��s Problem.

The Zoo Education Officer will introduce some amazing live Australian animals. Students will have time to interact and ask questions throughout. These workshops foster education and a love of animals and books and are perfectly suited to the Curriculum.

Prior to the excursion, PUGGLE PACKS will be sent to schools which include worksheets and book order forms.

Fast, ferocious and fun boys only writing workshop with the Scattered Bones team. Join author and literacy consultant Paul Stafford in a series of writing workshops aimed specifically at inspiring boys to enjoy writing. This session will cover the essential elements of writing a narrative, modelled by an author, using the weird and wonderful dinosaurs and bushrangers as a creative springboard for generating ideas. Paul will lead the students through the process of brainstorming, planning and writing narratives in a limited timeframe. Please book into all 3 sessions.

Using case studies and museum specimens, Prof Lynne Bilston will describe what happens to the brain during a head injury, especially in vehicle accidents. She explains how different safety mechanisms, such as hard hats, safety helmets and head gear can protect the brain from injury in an accident.

In a collaboration with the Museum of Human Disease, The Black Dog Institute presents it's Headstrong program via video conference. Using a series of engaging and humorous images, topics covered in this presentation include: challenges young people face, mood disorder facts and statistics, types of mood disorders, personality styles associated with non-melancholic depression, dispelling help-seeking fears, finding the right help ��� who / what / how including the benefits of good therapy and a good support network, and resilience and how it can be built.

People often suffer weakness on one side of their body after experiencing a stroke, and require rehabilitation to rebuild their strength and coordination. Dr Penelope McNulty from Neuroscience Research Australia will talk about using Wii games as a new rehabilitation strategy for stroke patients.

Be prepared for bushfire and other disasters. Ready, Set Go, Kids Action Plan is program developed to prepare school students for some of the hazards of natural disasters. The session promotes disaster resilience for primary school students and encourages each student to develop their own home action plan and emergency kit. Session 1 (9 December) will be an information based session with Q&A presented by the Mark Darling from the SES and Rebecca Phillips from the Rural Fire Service. Session 2 (16 December) facilitated by the Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum in Bathurst will be a practical emergency plan session.

Be prepared for bushfire and other disasters. Ready, Set Go, Kids Action Plan is program developed to prepare school students for some of the hazards of natural disasters. The session promotes disaster resilience for primary school students and encourages each student to develop their own home action plan and emergency kit. Session 1 (9 December) will be an information based session with Q&A presented by the Mark Darling from the SES and Rebecca Phillips from the Rural Fire Service. Session 2 (16 December) facilitated by the Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum in Bathurst will be a practical emergency plan session.

Fast, ferocious and fun writing workshop with the Scattered Bones team based on Bathurst Bushranger history. Join author and literacy consultant Paul Stafford in a writing workshop aimed specifically at inspiring students to enjoy writing. This session will cover the essential elements of writing a narrative, modelled by an author, using the weird and wonderful dinosaurs and bushrangers as a creative springboard for generating ideas. Paul will lead the students through the process of brainstorming, planning and writing narratives in a limited timeframe.

Investigate life on board the Endeavour and find out more about James Cook during this interactive video conference. Students will take on a character role and interact with Captain Cook.Through a shared reading of the text, Meet Captain Cook by Rae Murdie and Chris Nixon, students will come to know Captain Cook, the purpose of his journey, his skills in using navigational instruments and receive a wax sealed envelope with secret instructions to follow in their school grounds. After constructing a telescope, they will use a compass to follow the special orders to explore their school grounds with new eyes. They will observe and draw flora specimens just as Joseph Banks and Sydney Parkinson did when they landed in Australia.Students will consider different perspectives of the characters and the significance of the events during this voyage.

Investigate life on board the Endeavour and find out more about James Cook during this interactive video conference. Students will take on a character role and interact with Captain Cook.Through a shared reading of the text, Meet Captain Cook by Rae Murdie and Chris Nixon, students will come to know Captain Cook, the purpose of his journey, his skills in using navigational instruments and receive a wax sealed envelope with secret instructions to follow in their school grounds. After constructing a telescope, they will use a compass to follow the special orders to explore their school grounds with new eyes. They will observe and draw flora specimens just as Joseph Banks and Sydney Parkinson did when they landed in Australia.Students will consider different perspectives of the characters and the significance of the events during this voyage.

Investigate life on board the Endeavour and find out more about James Cook during this interactive video conference. Students will take on a character role and interact with Captain Cook.Through a shared reading of the text, Meet Captain Cook by Rae Murdie and Chris Nixon, students will come to know Captain Cook, the purpose of his journey, his skills in using navigational instruments and receive a wax sealed envelope with secret instructions to follow in their school grounds. After constructing a telescope, they will use a compass to follow the special orders to explore their school grounds with new eyes. They will observe and draw flora specimens just as Joseph Banks and Sydney Parkinson did when they landed in Australia.Students will consider different perspectives of the characters and the significance of the events during this voyage.

Investigate life on board the Endeavour and find out more about James Cook during this interactive video conference. Students will take on a character role and interact with Captain Cook.Through a shared reading of the text, Meet Captain Cook by Rae Murdie and Chris Nixon, students will come to know Captain Cook, the purpose of his journey, his skills in using navigational instruments and receive a wax sealed envelope with secret instructions to follow in their school grounds. After constructing a telescope, they will use a compass to follow the special orders to explore their school grounds with new eyes. They will observe and draw flora specimens just as Joseph Banks and Sydney Parkinson did when they landed in Australia.Students will consider different perspectives of the characters and the significance of the events during this voyage.

Investigate life on board the Endeavour and find out more about James Cook during this interactive video conference. Students will take on a character role and interact with Captain Cook.Through a shared reading of the text, Meet Captain Cook by Rae Murdie and Chris Nixon, students will come to know Captain Cook, the purpose of his journey, his skills in using navigational instruments and receive a wax sealed envelope with secret instructions to follow in their school grounds. After constructing a telescope, they will use a compass to follow the special orders to explore their school grounds with new eyes. They will observe and draw flora specimens just as Joseph Banks and Sydney Parkinson did when they landed in Australia.Students will consider different perspectives of the characters and the significance of the events during this voyage.

Investigate life on board the Endeavour and find out more about James Cook during this interactive video conference. Students will take on a character role and interact with Captain Cook.Through a shared reading of the text, Meet Captain Cook by Rae Murdie and Chris Nixon, students will come to know Captain Cook, the purpose of his journey, his skills in using navigational instruments and receive a wax sealed envelope with secret instructions to follow in their school grounds. After constructing a telescope, they will use a compass to follow the special orders to explore their school grounds with new eyes. They will observe and draw flora specimens just as Joseph Banks and Sydney Parkinson did when they landed in Australia.Students will consider different perspectives of the characters and the significance of the events during this voyage.

Investigate life on board the Endeavour and find out more about James Cook during this interactive video conference. Students will take on a character role and interact with Captain Cook.Through a shared reading of the text, Meet Captain Cook by Rae Murdie and Chris Nixon, students will come to know Captain Cook, the purpose of his journey, his skills in using navigational instruments and receive a wax sealed envelope with secret instructions to follow in their school grounds. After constructing a telescope, they will use a compass to follow the special orders to explore their school grounds with new eyes. They will observe and draw flora specimens just as Joseph Banks and Sydney Parkinson did when they landed in Australia.Students will consider different perspectives of the characters and the significance of the events during this voyage.

Investigate life on board the Endeavour and find out more about James Cook during this interactive video conference. Students will take on a character role and interact with Captain Cook.Through a shared reading of the text, Meet Captain Cook by Rae Murdie and Chris Nixon, students will come to know Captain Cook, the purpose of his journey, his skills in using navigational instruments and receive a wax sealed envelope with secret instructions to follow in their school grounds. After constructing a telescope, they will use a compass to follow the special orders to explore their school grounds with new eyes. They will observe and draw flora specimens just as Joseph Banks and Sydney Parkinson did when they landed in Australia.Students will consider different perspectives of the characters and the significance of the events during this voyage.

Investigate life on board the Endeavour and find out more about James Cook during this interactive video conference. Students will take on a character role and interact with Captain Cook.Through a shared reading of the text, Meet Captain Cook by Rae Murdie and Chris Nixon, students will come to know Captain Cook, the purpose of his journey, his skills in using navigational instruments and receive a wax sealed envelope with secret instructions to follow in their school grounds. After constructing a telescope, they will use a compass to follow the special orders to explore their school grounds with new eyes. They will observe and draw flora specimens just as Joseph Banks and Sydney Parkinson did when they landed in Australia.Students will consider different perspectives of the characters and the significance of the events during this voyage.

Investigate life on board the Endeavour and find out more about James Cook during this interactive video conference. Students will take on a character role and interact with Captain Cook.Through a shared reading of the text, Meet Captain Cook by Rae Murdie and Chris Nixon, students will come to know Captain Cook, the purpose of his journey, his skills in using navigational instruments and receive a wax sealed envelope with secret instructions to follow in their school grounds. After constructing a telescope, they will use a compass to follow the special orders to explore their school grounds with new eyes. They will observe and draw flora specimens just as Joseph Banks and Sydney Parkinson did when they landed in Australia.Students will consider different perspectives of the characters and the significance of the events during this voyage.

Join us as students from Waniora PS and Wiley Park PS review and discuss the titles in the 2016 Short List for Younger Readers. This will feature student reviews of the shortlisted books, input from a guest author, comments from dedicated readers, and a final vote for the Kids AAA winning title for younger readers.

Our student reviewers will be joined by Sandy Fussell, as our guest author, who will share insights into her writing and her own reading favorites. Sandy’s writing interests cover novels, poetry, picture books and technology - seemingly all in her "spare time". Her series, The Samurai Kids, features diverse characters, hints of history, a personal journey and language that draws readers into new worlds. Here’s an excerpt from The Samurai Kids : "I am Niya, and I am the only one legged Samurai kid in Japan. . . . . I am famous for falling flat on my face".Sandy’s latest picture book is Sad, the Dog.

Schools are invited to send through comments about the titles or to ask questions beforehand to be included in the interview with Sandy as our guest author. Please send these to honor.white100@gmail.com by Friday 2nd September.

Participating schools will also be involved in voting for their personal favourites from the short listed titles. We look forward to sharing the short list and the stories that make up your own part of Australia! Story Country.

Join us for a great start to your Book Week 2015 as students from Sandy Beach PS and Harrington Park PS review and discuss the titles in the 2015 short list for Younger Readers. This will feature summaries of the books, input from a guest author, comments from dedicated readers, and a final announcement of all the Book Week category winners.

Our student reviewers will be joined by Sue Whiting as our guest author who will share insights into her writing and her own reading favorites. Sue writes for all ages from beginning readers to teenagers. Sue loves words, books, stories and writing in ways that “. . . will have my readers turning the pages quickly to find out what happens next.” She gets her ideas from “everywhere and nowhere, but mostly they arrive unexpectedly and unannounced, almost by magic!”

The titles for younger readers are always diverse in their content and level. This year includes stories of crimes, mysteries, families, unique friendships and emerging identities. Schools are invited to send through comments about the titles or to ask questions beforehand to be included in the interview with Sue as our guest author. Please send these through beforehand to honor.white100@gmail.com by Wednesday 19 August. Participating schools will also be involved in voting for their personal favorites of the short listed titles. The program will end with the overall announcement of the CBCA judges’ list of winning and honour books at 12 noon.

Giant animals from dinosaurs to megafauna have roamed the Australian continent at different times. Find out about some of these Australian giants. Look at fossils and learn what they tell us about these extraordinary animals. Life sized reproductions and models will help us visualise life in the past.

Meet some of Australia��s ancient animals including our biggest and our most vicious predator. Discover how Palaeontologists study fossils and compare them with some living relatives. The Video conference will look at ancient animals and how palaeontologists learn more about them. There will also be information on the different theories of extinction.

The Video conference will look at the dynamic earth forming processes. There will be explosive experiments demonstrated including the step by step exploration of the different phases of a volcanic eruption. You will also see Australian Museum specimens and there will be opportunities to ask questions, so have some ready. Students will learn about the layering of lava flows, see if rocks float and learn how to make a gas and find out about the rock cycle. Students will see a volcano erupt and have the opportunity to construct then explode one in their own classroom. The lesson will also show Australian Museum specimens and involve question and answer opportunities.

The Australian Museum is participating in Virtual Excursions Australia ClickFest video conferencing festival.

Minibeast Magnified explores the exciting and diverse world of invertebrates. Students will learn how to identify common groups of invertebrates and why they are important. Minibeast Magnified brings the world of invertebrates to your students, engaging them in real science in local environments.

The workshop is designed to provide information and skills that will enable you and your students to conduct an invertebrate survey in your school.

The Australian Museum is participating in Virtual Excursions Australia ClickFest video conferencing festival.

This video conference provides a glimpse behind the scenes of Australia's oldest natural history Museum. Become a detective and discover how scientists collect, preserve and display the many extraordinary specimens in their collection.

Explore the Australian Museum specimens to investigate how they were discovered and why they are important.

The Australian Museum is participating in Virtual Excursions Australia ClickFest video conferencing festival.Explore the vast world of spiders. Found on every continent in the world except Antarctica, spiders are one of nature’s great success stories. Find out what spiders are, where they came from and how they got around, as well as Australia's own diverse spider fauna.

Students will perform chemical reactions during the conference using materials provided by your school.Fizzics Education will provide information on materials required prior to the event date.Further details and a video can be found on the following link: http://www.fizzicseducation.com.au/school+visits/primary+page+1/chemistry+show+primary.html

Should you require a different day please contact us and we'll arrange a suitable time for you!

Australian Curriculum Outcomes - Primary

- Natural and processed materials have a range of physical properties; These properties can influence their use (ACSSU074)- Solids, liquids and gases have different observable properties and behave in different ways (ACSSU077)- Changes to materials can be reversible, such as melting, freezing, evaporating; or irreversible, such as burning and rusting (ACSSU095)

Australian Curriculum Outcomes - Secondary

NSW Science Syllabus - PrimaryA student:

- identifies ways heat is produced and that heat moves from one object to another (ST2-6PW) - identifies that adding or removing heat causes a change of state between solids and liquids (ST2-12MW) - identifies the observable properties of solids, liquids and gases, and that changes made to materials are reversible or irreversible (ST3-12MW) - describes how the properties of materials determine their use for specific purposes (ST3-13MW)

NSW Science Syllabus - High School- describes the observed properties and behaviour of matter, using scientific models and theories about the motion and arrangement of particles (SC4-16CW) - explains how scientific understanding of, and discoveries about, the properties of elements, compounds and mixtures relate to their uses in everyday life (SC4-17CW) - explains how models, theories and laws about matter have been refined as new scientific evidence becomes available (SC5-16CW) - discusses the importance of chemical reactions in the production of a range of substances, and the influence of society on the development of new materials (SC5-17CW)

Students look at major body systems and how the five senses work in this engaging workshop!Where is heat in your body conserved? How do the lungs work? Heart, kidneys, bones, liver and other vital organs are discussed. What happens to food when I swallow? Also covers basic hygiene practices, reflexes, inheritance and the components of skin, blood and hair.

Your class will have a chance to run experiments during the event using materials provided by your school. Video of this conference in action: https://player.vimeo.com/video/79648619

Fizzics Education will provide information on materials required prior to the event date.Should you require a different day please contact us and we'll arrange a suitable time for you!

Australian curriculum outcomes:

Living things have structural features and adaptations that help them to survive in their environment (ACSSU043)The growth and survival of living things are affected by the physical conditions of their environment (ACSSU094)

NSW Syllabus Outcomes: Science & Technology

Science

Outcomes: A student

- describes that living things have life cycles, can be distinguished from non-living things and grouped, based on their observable features (ST2-10LW)

- describes how structural features and other adaptations of living things help them to survive in their environment (ST3-10LW)

Find out how solids, liquids and gases change when rapidly heated and cooled.Smash a squash ball! Shrink a balloon instantly! What happens to living things if they are frozen?How can Newton's 3rd Law of Motion explain a liquid nitrogen sprinkler? Pop can lids and expand balloons... + many others as you learn about pressure, forces and changes in states of matter.

Your class will run experiments during the event using materials supplied by your school. Fizzics Education will provide background information required prior to the event date.Should you require a different day please contact us and we'll arrange a suitable time for you!

More information: http://www.fizzicseducation.com.au/school+visits/primary+page+2/liquid+nitrogen.html

The session is presented by Ben Newsome, a recipient of a 2013 Churchill Fellowship on best practice in science education via video conference, 2015 Australian Small Business Champion for Education Services, co-founder of Virtual Excursions Australia and is on the ISTE Video Conferencing Network Leadership Team.

Australian Curriculum Outcomes - Primary school

A change of state between solid and liquid can be caused by adding or removing heat (ACSSU046)Heat can be produced in many ways and can move from one object to another. (ACSSU049)Forces can be exerted by one object on another through direct contact or from a distance (ACSSU076)Solids, liquids and gases have different observable properties and behave in different ways (ACSSU077)

NSW Science & Technology Syllabus Outcomes

- identifies ways heat is produced and that heat moves from one object to another (ST2-6PW) - describes everyday interactions between objects that result from contact and non-contact forces (ST2-7PW)

Australian Curriculum Outcomes - High School

Change to an object’s motion is caused by unbalanced forces acting on the object (ACSSU117)The motion of objects can be described and predicted using the laws of physics (ACSSU229)The action of forces that act at a distance may be observed and related to everyday situations. (PW2)Cells are the basic units of living things and have specialised structures and functions (ACSSU149)The properties of the different states of matter can be explained in terms of the motion and arrangement of particles (ACSSU151)

NSW Science Syllabus - High School

- describes the action of unbalanced forces in everyday situations (SC4-10PW) - discusses how scientific understanding and technological developments have contributed to finding solutions to problems involving energy transfers and transformations (SC4-11PW) - relates the structure and function of living things to their classification, survival and reproduction (SC4-14LW) - applies models, theories and laws to explain situations involving energy, force and motion (SC5-10PW) - explains how scientific understanding about energy conservation, transfers and transformations is applied in systems (SC5-11PW)

Join Author Paul Stafford to learn how to write fast and furious action narratives based on natural disasters. Narrative writing workshop which will cover the essential elements of writing a narrative, modelled by an author, using natural disasters as a creative springboard for generating ideas. Paul will lead the students through the process of brainstorming, planning and writing narratives in a limited time frame. The aim of the workshop is to use action narrative to prepare school students for some of the hazards of natural disasters and encourage resilient communities whist teaching the essentials of narrative writing.

Join Author Paul Stafford to learn how to write fast and furious action narratives based on natural disasters. Narrative writing workshop which will cover the essential elements of writing a narrative, modelled by an author, using natural disasters as a creative springboard for generating ideas. Paul will lead the students through the process of brainstorming, planning and writing narratives in a limited time frame. The aim of the workshop is to use action narrative to prepare school students for some of the hazards of natural disasters and encourage resilient communities whist teaching the essentials of narrative writing.

Join Author Paul Stafford to learn how to write fast and furious action narratives based on natural disasters. Narrative writing workshop which will cover the essential elements of writing a narrative, modelled by an author, using natural disasters as a creative springboard for generating ideas. Paul will lead the students through the process of brainstorming, planning and writing narratives in a limited time frame. The aim of the workshop is to use action narrative to prepare school students for some of the hazards of natural disasters and encourage resilient communities whist teaching the essentials of narrative writing.

We will investigate the chemical properties of each slime and your students will make 3 of them during the conference! Fizzics Education will provide information on materials required prior to the event date.

Australian curriculum outcomes;

Natural and processed materials have a range of physical properties; these properties can influence their use (ACSSU074)

Solids, liquids and gases have different observable properties and behave in different ways (ACSSU077)

Changes to materials can be reversible, such as melting, freezing, evaporating; or irreversible, such as burning and rusting (ACSSU095)

Bring the convict story of Hyde Park Barracks Museum to your classroom with a virtual excursion!This theatrical presentation, woven together from historical source material, transports students back in time to learn about the life story of convict Ivan Gotney.Through active participation students gain insight into the daily lives of convicts at the barracks and the importance of convict labour to the development of the new colony.They are encouraged to observe, analyse and draw conclusions about historical sources.

Bring the convict story of Hyde Park Barracks Museum to your classroom with a virtual excursion!This theatrical presentation, woven together from historical source material, transports students back in time to learn about the life story of convict Ivan Gotney.Through active participation students gain insight into the daily lives of convicts at the barracks and the importance of convict labour to the development of the new colony.They are encouraged to observe, analyse and draw conclusions about historical sources.

Find out how your primary classroom can be transformed into an interactive science environment without breaking the bank. Learn how to use easily obtainable materials from the local shops to run hands-on experiments that cover chemistry, forces, light and sound. During this session you will run a number of simple experiments in your location. Schedule this as part of your staff meeting!

The session is presented by Ben Newsome, a recipient of a 2013 Churchill Fellowship on best practice in science education via video conference, ISTE interactive video conferencing leader and 2015 Australian Small Business Champion for Education Services. Short video: https://vimeo.com/79714696

Time for questions will be provided throughout the session, as well as an opportunity to discuss demonstrations after the conference. For new scheme teachers maintaining accreditation at the level of professional competence, this activity could be used as part of your TIPD (Teacher Identified Professional Development.)

In this virtual excursion your students will go back in time to the 1880s to share an hour in the life of a mounted trooper (played by a costumed interpreter) as he talks about the difficulties the police faced in overcoming the threat of bushrangers in NSW. The trooper has lots of stories to tell about his life in the bush and his exploits in bringing the bushrangers to justice.

The program is interactive and your students are encouraged to engage with the trooper and ask him questions about his life and work: from what he thinks of bushrangers; to how the battle for the bush between bushrangers and troopers was fought and why he isn't tempted to seek his fortune on the goldfields.

Students will be encouraged to analyse historical source material to support differing views of bushrangers as heroes or villains.Students will see some objects from the museum's handling collection, some original documents and a number of images and photographs from the era. The session also incorporates activities and group work.

In this virtual excursion your students will go back in time to the 1880s to share an hour in the life of a mounted trooper (played by a costumed interpreter) as he talks about the difficulties the police faced in overcoming the threat of bushrangers in NSW. The trooper has lots of stories to tell about his life in the bush and his exploits in bringing the bushrangers to justice.

The program is interactive and your students are encouraged to engage with the trooper and ask him questions about his life and work: from what he thinks of bushrangers; to how the battle for the bush between bushrangers and troopers was fought and why he isn't tempted to seek his fortune on the goldfields.

Students will be encouraged to analyse historical source material to support differing views of bushrangers as heroes or villains.

Students will see some objects from the museum's handling collection, some original documents and a number of images and photographs from the era. The session also incorporates activities and group work.

In this virtual excursion your students will go back in time to the 1880s to share an hour in the life of a mounted trooper (played by a costumed interpreter) as he talks about the difficulties the police faced in overcoming the threat of bushrangers in NSW. The trooper has lots of stories to tell about his life in the bush and his exploits in bringing the bushrangers to justice.

The program is interactive and your students are encouraged to engage with the trooper and ask him questions about his life and work: from what he thinks of bushrangers; to how the battle for the bush between bushrangers and troopers was fought and why he isn't tempted to seek his fortune on the goldfields.

Students will be encouraged to anlalyse historical source material to support differing views of bushrangers as heroes or villains. Students will see some objects from the museum's handling collection, some original documents and a number of images and photographs from the era. The session also incorporates activities and group work.

Students investigate our Universe and space exploration techniques in this hands-on workshop.What did the big bang really look like? How do stars work? What technological developments were necessary to allow astronauts to work and survive outside of Earth's atmosphere? How do we observe distant galaxies? Why do we visit and study space anyway?Describe the Solar System,, galaxies and more.

More details on this conference can be found here: http://www.fizzicseducation.com.au/school+visits/primary+page+3/stars+and+planets.html

Students will gain an appreciation of astronomy and gain insight into our place in the universe.Your class will have a chance to run experiment during the event using materials provided by your school. Fizzics Education will provide information on materials required prior to the event date.

Should you require a different day please contact us and we'll arrange a suitable time for you!

Australian Curriculum: Science

ACSU078, ASCHE083, ACSIS093

Fits within Primary Connections: Earth's Place in Space

NSW Syllabus Outcomes: Science and Technology

Earth and its Surroundings: A student...

ES 2.6: identifies some of the features of the solar system and describes interactions that affect conditions on Earth.

Physical Phenomena: A student...

PP S3.4: identifies and applies processes involved in manipulating, using and changing the form of energy

What is air pressure? Why are low and high pressure areas important? How are clouds formed? What is our atmosphere made of anyway?What conditions are needed to cause tornadoes? And more...

Students will gain an appreciation of meteorology and gain insight into how our climate operates.You will also get to run some simple science experiments in your room on air pressure.More information can be found on the following link: http://www.fizzicseducation.com.au/school+visits/primary+page+2/flight+or+weather.html

Australian Curriculum Outcomes: Science Content

Earth's surface changes over time as a result of natural processes and human activity. (ACSSU075) Sudden geological changes or extreme weather conditions can affect Earth's surface. (ACSSU096) Forces can be exerted by one object on another through direct contact or from a distance. (ACSSU076) Heat can be produced in many ways and can move from one object to another. (ACSSU049)

Fits within COGS Unit 'Local Environments'.

NSW Syllabus Outcomes: Science and Technology Outcomes: A student - describes some observable changes over time on the Earth’s surface that result from natural processes and human activity (ST2-8ES) - explains rapid change at the Earth’s surface caused by natural events, using evidence provided by advances in technology and scientific understanding (ST3-9ES)- describes everyday interactions between objects that result from contact and non-contact forces (ST2-7PW)

Colour and EmotionConnect students to exciting and challenging contemporary art through this innovative program that explores how artists use colour to convey emotion.

This dynamic and hands-on program emphasises the following concepts to foster in students an inspiring relationship to creativity and contemporary art:

- Colouring outside the lines and breaking the rules- Connecting with artists as thinkers and creators- Playing with process over product- Bringing your own story, taking fresh meaning- Looking and thinking in new ways

Colour and EmotionConnect students to exciting and challenging contemporary art through this innovative program that explores how artists use colour to convey emotion.

This dynamic and hands-on program emphasises the following concepts to foster in students an inspiring relationship to creativity and contemporary art:

- Colouring outside the lines and breaking the rules- Connecting with artists as thinkers and creators- Playing with process over product- Bringing your own story, taking fresh meaning- Looking and thinking in new ways

Colour and EmotionConnect students to exciting and challenging contemporary art through this innovative program that explores how artists use colour to convey emotion.

This dynamic and hands-on program emphasises the following concepts to foster in students an inspiring relationship to creativity and contemporary art:

- Colouring outside the lines and breaking the rules- Connecting with artists as thinkers and creators- Playing with process over product- Bringing your own story, taking fresh meaning- Looking and thinking in new ways

Colour and EmotionConnect students to exciting and challenging contemporary art through this innovative program that explores how artists use colour to convey emotion.

This dynamic and hands-on program emphasises the following concepts to foster in students an inspiring relationship to creativity and contemporary art:

- Colouring outside the lines and breaking the rules- Connecting with artists as thinkers and creators- Playing with process over product- Bringing your own story, taking fresh meaning- Looking and thinking in new ways

Colour and EmotionConnect students to exciting and challenging contemporary art through this innovative program that explores how artists use colour to convey emotion.

This dynamic and hands-on program emphasises the following concepts to foster in students an inspiring relationship to creativity and contemporary art:

- Colouring outside the lines and breaking the rules- Connecting with artists as thinkers and creators- Playing with process over product- Bringing your own story, taking fresh meaning- Looking and thinking in new ways

Colour and EmotionConnect students to exciting and challenging contemporary art through this innovative program that explores how artists use colour to convey emotion.

This dynamic and hands-on program emphasises the following concepts to foster in students an inspiring relationship to creativity and contemporary art:

- Colouring outside the lines and breaking the rules- Connecting with artists as thinkers and creators- Playing with process over product- Bringing your own story, taking fresh meaning- Looking and thinking in new ways

Colour and EmotionConnect students to exciting and challenging contemporary art through this innovative program that explores how artists use colour to convey emotion.

This dynamic and hands-on program emphasises the following concepts to foster in students an inspiring relationship to creativity and contemporary art:

- Colouring outside the lines and breaking the rules- Connecting with artists as thinkers and creators- Playing with process over product- Bringing your own story, taking fresh meaning- Looking and thinking in new ways

Colour and EmotionConnect students to exciting and challenging contemporary art through this innovative program that explores how artists use colour to convey emotion.

This dynamic and hands-on program emphasises the following concepts to foster in students an inspiring relationship to creativity and contemporary art:

- Colouring outside the lines and breaking the rules- Connecting with artists as thinkers and creators- Playing with process over product- Bringing your own story, taking fresh meaning- Looking and thinking in new ways

On the 11th hour, the 11th day of the 11th month, Australian’s pause to remember our fallen servicemen and women and commemorate their sacrifice for our country.

Remembrance Day in Australia is when a minute’s silence is held at 11.00am to commemorate November 11, 1918 when WW1 hostilities ceased on the Western Front in Europe – Armistice Day. After WW2 the Australian & British governments re-named it Remembrance Day and the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month has taken on a tradition in the ensuing years where we remember all those who have died in war.

Every year at the Australian National Maritime Museum we host a traditional Remembrance Day ceremony, with the significant story of the MV Krait , the men in the Z Special Force and Operation Jaywick providing a focal point.

As school students play an important role in our ceremony, we in conjunction with Dartconnections are offering schools the opportunity to view our 2015 Remembrance Day Ceremony through video conferencing and YouTube live stream

A follow up session with World War 11 Valor in the Pacific National Monument (Arizona) and students from the USA will be held on Friday 13th November at 9.30 am

Join with us as we investigate the story behind Cook and Banks' voyage to the rumoured great southern land.*look at the reason behind the momentous voyage.*the voyage and conditions on board the Endeavour*Cook's role as a cartographer and navigator*Banks' scientific contribution to the voyage and how his legacy began the Royal Botanic Gardens Herbarium collection. *learn how scientists classify plants and try your hand at botanic illustration.*And the enduring outcome of the voyage and how it changed Australian history.

A joint presentation from the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney and the Australian National Maritime Museum

What happened in the first few minutes after the Big Bang, and how did the first stars and galaxies form? What role does nuclear fusion play in the formation and evolution of stars? A curriculum-focused Physics lecture based on content from the New South Wales Preliminary Course “Cosmic Engine” Module and Australian Curriculum content: ACSPH010, ACSPH013.

An event where students experience electricity and magnetism in a captivating science show.See 100,000 volts discharged in a flash! How is electricity generated anyway? What is the difference between series & parallel circuits? What does the Earth's magnetic field look like? What technologies are being developed for the future?

These concepts and much more are explored.Your class will have a chance to run experiments during the event using materials supplied by your school. Fizzics Education will provide information on materials required prior to the event date. Should you require a different day please contact us and we'll arrange a suitable time for you!

Australian ACARA Content Outcomes:

- Electrical circuits provide a means of transferring and transforming electricity (ACSSU097) - Energy from a variety of sources can be used to generate electricity (ACSSU219) - Forces can be exerted by one object on another through direct contact or from a distance. (ACSSU076)NSW Science Syllabus Content

A student:

- describes how scientific understanding about the sources, transfer and transformation of electricity is related to - making decisions about its use (ST3-6PW).- describes everyday interactions between objects that result from contact and non-contact forces (ST2-7PW).

Students will explore Indigenous culture and art from various regions of Australia. In this lesson students will create their own Australian Flag by investigating their cultural heritage as well as that of Australia's first inhabitants, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

In this new art workshop students will explore Indigenous culture and art from various regions of Australia. In this lesson students will create their own Australian Flag by investigating their cultural heritage as well as that of Australia's first inhabitants, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Some characters stand out in a story more than others. They can lead the action or be in the background yet both have the ability to change the direction of the story or influence other characters. Memorable characters have attitude, secrets, hopes and problems: they might like to daydream, open their Christmas presents in secret or eat ice cream out of the container.

In this excursion, students deconstruct characters by identifying their strengths, weaknesses, individual traits, language and actions. They then use this information to create their own character and place them into a story.

During this workshop students think creatively, develop ideas and ���listen to, read, view, speak, write, create and reflect on increasingly complex and sophisticated spoken, written and multimodal texts.�� (1)

They examine literature, learning ���how to compare and appraise the ways authors use language and literary techniques and devices to influence readers. (1)

Students will perform chemical reactions during the conference using materials provided by your school.Fizzics Education will provide information on materials required prior to the event date.

Short Video: https://player.vimeo.com/video/55313593

The session is presented by Ben Newsome, a recipient of a 2013 Churchill Fellowship on best practice in science education via video conference, 2015 Australian Small Business Champion for Education Services, co-founder of Virtual Excursions Australia and is on the ISTE Video Conferencing Network Leadership Team.

Should you require a different day please contact us and we'll arrange a suitable time for you!

Australian Curriculum Outcomes - Primary

- Natural and processed materials have a range of physical properties; These properties can influence their use (ACSSU074)- Solids, liquids and gases have different observable properties and behave in different ways (ACSSU077)- Changes to materials can be reversible, such as melting, freezing, evaporating; or irreversible, such as burning and rusting (ACSSU095)

Australian Curriculum Outcomes - Secondary

NSW Science Syllabus - PrimaryA student:

- identifies ways heat is produced and that heat moves from one object to another (ST2-6PW) - identifies that adding or removing heat causes a change of state between solids and liquids (ST2-12MW) - identifies the observable properties of solids, liquids and gases, and that changes made to materials are reversible or irreversible (ST3-12MW) - describes how the properties of materials determine their use for specific purposes (ST3-13MW)

NSW Science Syllabus - High School- describes the observed properties and behaviour of matter, using scientific models and theories about the motion and arrangement of particles (SC4-16CW) - explains how scientific understanding of, and discoveries about, the properties of elements, compounds and mixtures relate to their uses in everyday life (SC4-17CW) - explains how models, theories and laws about matter have been refined as new scientific evidence becomes available (SC5-16CW) - discusses the importance of chemical reactions in the production of a range of substances, and the influence of society on the development of new materials (SC5-17CW)

Join us for a curriculum focused revision lecture covering all aspects from the Physics Stage 6 Syllabus for The World Communicates. Pre- and post-work shall be provided in advance and after the session, and you are strongly encouraged to complete this material with your students to get the most from the lecture.

The talk will cover key points: identifying waves as energy carriers, describing features of waves such as frequency and wavelength, giving examples from the electromagnetic spectrum, and explaining absorption, reflection, refraction, and scattering. We will also highlight how electromagnetic radiation is used to understand the Universe, and will describe uses of electromagnetism in applications such as communication technology.

You and your students are invited to join Aina Musaeva for this exciting, and curriculum dedicated, lecture.

Note that due to limited space, we are restricted to the first 20 schools to sign up. Please ensure your email address is up to date, so that we can email you to confirm your booking. The session is a collaborative effort with support from CAASTRO and the NSW Department of Education and Communities.

This session will help students understand cyberbullying behaviour and its impact on others, and to equip them with strategies to deal with cyberbullying if they experience it.The session aims to:�� Help students identify ways to manage and prevent cyberbullying behaviour�� Encourage students to seek support if they are experiencing cyberbullying�� Encourage students to be ���good�� bystanders if they witness cyberbullying.�� Help students recognise bullying online.�� Provide strategies to deal with a cyberbullyTeachers are encouraged to deliver the 50 minute ���Cyberbullying ��� You be the judge�� activity after the presentation. Cyberbullying ��� You be the judgeStudents critically evaluate a number of cyberbullying video clips online and judge how well each clip conveys the key messages. (YouTube access required)Lesson plan: http://www.cybersmart.gov.au/~/media/Cybersmart/Outreach/Cyberbullying-You-be-the-judge_2014.docWebpage:http://www.cybersmart.gov.au/videoactivity.aspxThe live virtual classroom presentations will, with the local help of classroom teachers, feature interactive questions and answers. This 40 minute presentation is directed at primary school students in years 4, 5 and 6.

The session will be in support of the Thursday 16 October launch of the latest Cybersmart video resource #GameOn.In the week prior to the virtual excursion, schools will be provided with a (non-public) link so that students can watch the full 25 min #GameOn video. The30 min interactive virtual excursion will then explore the key #GameOn topics of cyberbullying and excessive gaming.Classroom activities will be available for teachers to downloadand focus on safe social networking, selfies and online balance. The #GameOn trailer can now be viewed athttp://www.cybersmart.gov.au/gameon

The presentation will:- guide students through a realistic student scenario- encourage students to consider the impact of their actions when posting photos and comments- encourage students to be - good - bystanders if they witness cyberbullying- provide opportunities to discuss appropriate actions when being a good bystander.

Live from Sydney Opera House, the amazing Czech Philharmonic Children’s Choir will be performing The Celebration of Spring – a collection of Czech folk songs, featuring traditional song, dance and costume. The live broadcast will also include conversations with the Choral Director and some of the young performers.

This world renowned children's choir is on tour to Australia and New Zealand for a short time only and this is a one-off opportunity for your students to see them in action! One performance only!

The Czech Philharmonic Children's Choir was founded in 1932 and is now one of the most significant Czech artistic collectives, known not only in Europe, but in Japan, the United States, Canada, Mexico, Singapore, Malaysia and South Africa. Among the choir's greatest achievements are appearances at La Scala, Milan, Carnegie Hall in New York, the Tchaikovsky Hall of the Moscow Conservatoire, and now Sydney Opera House!

Join graphic designer Patti Andrews in a special video conference that takes the popular HSC DesignTECH seminars outside of the Powerhouse Museum. In a 20 minute talk, Patti will talk about her approach to design, including case studies from her time with Dolly Magazine and Avante Card. As a creative designer, driven by ideas, Patti has also worked for magazines, theatre companies, musicians, museums and has recently been working with augmented reality and mobile apps. Your students will hear about Patti’s career trajectory and learn how Patti finds inspiration, meets user needs and manages her time. In live Q&A students can pose questions to Patti as they commence their journey towards a successful major project.9.30am-10.15am

In this lesson students will learn about a variety of Australian Environments and the plants and animals that live there. They will also explore the ingredients required to create habitats and increase biodiversity in their school grounds.

Students will use the interactive whiteboard to construct a virtual habitat for native animals using flowering plants, grasses, ground covers, rocks, logs, etc.

To conclude students will plant native grass seeds in pots. These can be used as the basis for a re-vegetation project at school.

This lesson can be incorporated into any study of biodiversity and habitats. It can also be used as a planning session to guide construction of native gardens in school grounds.

Note: All workshops offered by The Big Issue Classroom can be scheduled at a time to suit you. Please call Sam Clark on 02 8332 7200 or email nswclassroom@bigissue.org.au to arrange a session.

The Big Issue Classroom is a social enterprise initiative of The Big Issue. Our online workshops provide students with a "real-life" insight into homelessness, marginalisation and disadvantage, as experienced by thousands of Australians every night. By booking a workshop you are helping to create employment for disadvantaged Australians, enabling them to earn an income, regain confidence, and move on with their lives.

The Big Issue Classroom truly is "a Classroom Experience That Makes a Difference."

In all workshops, a specialist facilitator challenges stereotypes about homelessness and explains how The Big Issue helps people reconnect with the community. We then share a personal story of homelessness. For secondary students, this is a first-hand account from someone who has experienced homelessness personally. For primary students, we share an interactive illustrated version.

Both primary and secondary workshops are available. Please specify which workshop you would like. For a list of workshops, please visit our website www.thebigissue.org.au/the-big-issue-classroom-about/

Join one of National Geographic’s most seasoned explorers, Brian Skerry, for an extraordinary experience exploring the ocean. Head to hidden worlds beneath the waves from Japan to New Zealand and meet some of the ocean’s most elusive creatures from manatees, sharks, harp seals, sea turtles and more, and find out how you can protect our world’s oceans.

Learners will experience the living cultural astronomy of the Kamilaroi / Euahlayi or the Boorong Clan of the Wergaia (Vic) peoples and be inspired by the images and lore found in the night sky. Dreamtime stories including those about Warambul (The Milky Way: Kamilaroi/Euahlayi) and Yaraan or Gulabah (The Southern Cross: Kamilaroi/Euahlayi) and the Nurrumbunguttia (Old spirits whose campfire smoke became the Milky Way: Boorong), demonstrate a deep understanding and relationship with the sky that is shared across Australia’s diverse Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

A highly recommended option is to purchase and pre-assemble a colourful planisphere set (rotating star map) which includes an Indigenous community and Western star wheels for the learners to keep. These greatly enhance participation during the video conference and are used to explore the night sky and compare different sky lore. Two planisphere star wheels, cover, split pin and instructions are available at an extra cost of $5 per learner including postage and are sent two weeks ahead of the booking.

Learners will experience and engage with the living cultural astronomy of the Kamilaroi / Euahlayi or the Boorong Clan of the Wergaia (Vic) peoples and be inspired by the images and lore found in the night sky.

Dreamtime stories including those about Warambul (The Milky Way: Kamilaroi/Euahlayi) and Yaraan or Gulabah (The Southern Cross: Kamilaroi/Euahlayi) and the Nurrumbunguttias (Old spirits whose campfire smoke became the Milky Way: Boorong), demonstrate a deep understanding and relationship with the sky that is shared across Australia’s diverse Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

In teams, learners will re-construct a Boorong story about the creation of the Sun and discover the multitude of layers these stories contain.

A recommended, but not needed, option is to purchase our colourful community based planisphere set (rotating star map) which includes Indigenous community and Western star wheels for the learners to keep. These enhance participation during the video conference and are used to set challenges based on the night sky. Two planisphere star wheels, cover, split pin and instructions are available at an extra cost of $5 per learner including postage. These are sent two weeks ahead of the booking.

Learners will experience the living cultural astronomy of the Kamilaroi / Euahlayi or the Boorong Clan of the Wergaia (Vic) peoples and be inspired by the images and lore found in the night sky. Dreamtime stories including those about Warambul (The Milky Way: Kamilaroi/Euahlayi) and Yaraan or Gulabah (The Southern Cross: Kamilaroi/Euahlayi) and the Nurrumbunguttias (Old spirits whose campfire smoke became the Milky Way: Boorong), demonstrate a deep understanding and relationship with the sky that is shared across Australia’s diverse Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

A highly recommended option is to purchase and pre-assemble a colourful planisphere set (rotating star map) which includes Western and Indigenous community star wheels for the learners to keep. These greatly enhance participation during the video conference and are used to explore the night sky, compare different sky lore. Two planisphere star wheels, cover, split pin and instructions are available at an extra cost of $5 per learner including postage and are sent two weeks ahead of the booking.

The astronomical software ‘Stellarium’ used during the video conference can be downloaded for FREE to be used for follow up activities. As of April 2015 it includes one Indigenous plug-in for the ‘Boorong’ community of North-Western Victoria. More are being developed for other communities and will be available shortly.

Learners will experience the living cultural astronomy of the Kamilaroi / Euahlayi (NSW) peoples and be inspired by the images and lore found in the night sky. Dreamtime stories including those about Warambul (The Milky Way) and Yaraan or Gulabah (The Southern Cross) demonstrate a deep understanding and relationship with the sky that is shared across Australia’s diverse Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

A highly recommended option is to purchase and pre-assemble a colourful planisphere (rotating star map) which includes Western and Indigenous community star wheels for the learners to keep. These greatly enhance participation during the video conference and are used to explore the night sky, compare different sky lore. Two planisphere star wheels, cover, split pin and instructions are available at an extra cost of $10 per learner including postage and are sent two weeks ahead of the booking.

The astronomical software ‘Stellarium’ used during the video conference can be downloaded for FREE to be used for follow up activities. As of April 2015 it includes one Indigenous plug-in for the ‘Boorong’ community of North-Western Victoria. More are being developed for other communities and will be available shortly.

Learners will experience the living cultural astronomy of the Kamilaroi / Euahlayi (NSW) peoples and be inspired by the images and lore found in the night sky. Dreamtime stories including those about Warambul (The Milky Way) and Yaraan or Gulabah (The Southern Cross) demonstrate a deep understanding and relationship with the sky that is shared across Australia’s diverse Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

A highly recommended option is to purchase and pre-assemble a colourful planisphere (rotating star map) which includes Western and Indigenous community star wheels for the learners to keep. These greatly enhance participation during the video conference and are used to explore the night sky, compare different sky lore. Two planisphere star wheels, cover, split pin and instructions are available at an extra cost of $10 per learner including postage and are sent two weeks ahead of the booking.

The astronomical software ‘Stellarium’ used during the video conference can be downloaded for FREE to be used for follow up activities. As of April 2015 it includes one Indigenous plug-in for the ‘Boorong’ community of North-Western Victoria. More are being developed for other communities and will be available shortly.

The Catchment Health video conference explores some of the impacts facing our freshwater and marine environments. This session looks at the importance of catchments and how everything we do on land has impacts downstream.

Fossils are fascinating reminders of life in ancient times and provide a window into the past. They can also reveal an amazing amount of information about extinct species and the ancient world. Step inside the shoes of a palaeontologist to use fossil material and modern animals to reconstruct some extinct Australian animals.

The Geology Rocks video conference will look at the dynamic earth forming processes. Students will learn about the layering of lava flows, see if rocks float and learn how to make a gas and find out about the rock cycle. You will also see real specimens and there will be opportunities to ask questions.

The Geology Rocks video conference will look at the dynamic earth forming processes. Students will learn about the layering of lava flows, see if rocks float and learn how to make a gas and find out about the rock cycle. You will also see real specimens and there will be opportunities to ask questions.

A hands-on science workshop where students investigate all manner of natural disasters. Your students will learn about earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis, meteorites, cyclones, pandemics and more in this engaging video conferencing workshop. Great for Earth Science Week!

Australian ACARA Content Outcomes

Sudden geological changes or extreme weather conditions can affect Earth's surface. (ACSSU096) Earth’s surface changes over time as a result of natural processes and human activity (ACSSU075) The growth and survival of living things are affected by the physical conditions of their environment (ACSSU094)Observable changes occur in the sky and landscape (ACSSU019).

NSW Science Syllabus Content

A student:

- describes some observable changes over time on the Earth’s surface that result from natural processes and human activity (ST2-8ES)- explains rapid change at the Earth’s surface caused by natural events, using evidence provided by advances in technology and scientific understanding (ST3-9ES)

A hands-on science workshop where students investigate all manner of natural disasters. Your students will learn about earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis, meteorites, cyclones, pandemics and more in this engaging video conferencing workshop. Great for Earth Science Week!

Australian ACARA Content Outcomes

Sudden geological changes or extreme weather conditions can affect Earth's surface. (ACSSU096) Earth’s surface changes over time as a result of natural processes and human activity (ACSSU075) The growth and survival of living things are affected by the physical conditions of their environment (ACSSU094)Observable changes occur in the sky and landscape (ACSSU019).

NSW Science Syllabus Content

A student:

- describes some observable changes over time on the Earth’s surface that result from natural processes and human activity (ST2-8ES)- explains rapid change at the Earth’s surface caused by natural events, using evidence provided by advances in technology and scientific understanding (ST3-9ES)

Join us and encourage your students to build a healthy lifestyle and make positive choices. This excursion will feature prominent NRL players in their final training session in the lead up to the City vs Country representative match. Students will watch a short video, hear from a trained teacher and have the opportunity to ask a Rugby League Ambassador questions on training regimes and healthy lifestyles. The session will be filmed live from training at Apex Stadium in Dubbo.

ABOUT THE PRESENTATIONSimple language can convey powerful ideas and it can change the way you see yourself and the world. While it is often identified as one of the most abstract forms of literature today, poetry has fascinated readers for generations and has a long and colourful history. Join Sarah-Jane as she introduces you to the world of poetry and shows you how this unique and special form of literature can really pack a punch.

ABOUT THE PRESENTERDr. Sarah-Jane Burton is a lecturer in Macquarie University’s English program. She completed her undergraduate degree in Communication and English before beginning her career in magazine publishing and freelance writing. In 2008 Sarah-Jane returned to academia to complete her Masters Degree and PhD in English Literature at the University of Wollongong, during which time her research was honoured with grants from international institutions including Harvard and Indiana University in the United States. Sarah-Jane teaches a wide range of English texts but her research focuses specifically on American poetry and literary collectives in the 20th Century.

Please Note: This session is aimed at stage 5 students. However, we always welcome students from other year levels if appropriate. Feel free to contact leaplinks@mq.edu.au if you have any questions or concerns.

ABOUT THE PRESENTATIONIn this master class we focus on the creation of interesting and vivid characters in narrative fiction. We look at the ways in which students can draw upon their own experience, observation and imagination to create and write characters, and consider what makes a character memorable, exciting and someone we care about. Characters on the page need a different approach to characters in film or games, yet in the end the issues for the reader or viewer are the same: the character needs to matter to us. Craft and technique are covered, including the use of action, gesture and dialogue, to enable students to revise and improve on first drafts. A short writing exercise takes place during the session, so students will need pen and paper. This is a practical, hands-on presentation.

ABOUT THE PRESENTERJane Messer is a Senior Lecturer in Creative Writing in the Department of English, and Program Director for the Postgraduate Creative Writing program. She was awarded an Office of Learning and Teaching Citation for Outstanding Contribution to Student Learning in 2014. She is the founder and supervising editor of the creative writing student e-journal, The Quarry. Her books include the novels Night by Night, Provenance and most recently, Hopscotch, and she has published short stories, commentary, poetry and radio dramas. Jane believes that story-telling is native to the human spirit, that everyone can learn to write creatively, and that creative writing is a transferable skill which improves a person’s critical thinking, reading and writing in any genre.

Please Note: This session is aimed at stage 5 students. However, we always welcome students from other year levels if appropriate. Feel free to contact leaplinks@mq.edu.au if you have any questions or concerns.

ABOUT THE PRESENTATIONLanguage is a powerful tool — it can shape the way we think, it can influence the way we behave, and it can change the way we see the world around us. In this lecture we shall look at how and why language has this power, how it can help us to understand ourselves better, and how we can use it to change the world we live in. We shall look at such topics as sound symbolism, euphemism, and core meanings before examining how they influence political debate, advertising, and our perceptions of ourselves.

ABOUT THE PRESENTERBefore coming to Macquarie University, Albert worked as a lecturer at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Prior to that he studied philosophy in the UK and completed his PhD on sign theory and reference at Sheffield University in 2005. He has written two books and numerous articles focusing on the philosophy of race and racism, language and pragmatism.

Please Note: This session is aimed at stage 5 students. However, we always welcome students from other year levels if appropriate. Feel free to contact leaplinks@mq.edu.au if you have any questions or concerns.

ABOUT ENQUIRING MINDSEnquiring Minds is an inspirational documentary series that premiered on Television Sydney (TVS) in 2013. The series aims to help and encourage students in late primary to early secondary school develop their passion and hobbies into a career through higher education.

ABOUT THE PRESENTATIONCraig will discuss how archaeologists interpret material culture (artefacts) found on archaeological sites. How do we find artefacts? How do we understand them? And what do they tell us about people who lived thousands of years ago? He will bring some ancient artefacts so students can view them up close.

ABOUT THE PRESENTERBachelor (Honours) in Classical Archaeology and a PhD in Classical Archaeology.Craig has a PhD in Classical Archaeology and is the Manager of Education and Public Programs at Sydney University Museums.He is a Classical archaeologist and educationist who is a director of the University of Sydney��s excavations at Paphos in Cyprus. He has worked on sites in Australia, Greece and Turkey. He works in museums teaching students how to read objects.

ABOUT ENQUIRING MINDSEnquiring Minds is an inspirational documentary series that premiered on Television Sydney (TVS) in 2013. The series aims to help and encourage students in late primary to early secondary school develop their passion and hobbies into a career through higher education.

ABOUT THE PRESENTATIONSydney��s underwater life is teeming with interesting and unique fish! Kate studies two of our most iconic creatures, the spotted wobbegong and the blue groper, using remote tracking techniques to monitor the fish 24/7 as they move along the NSW coastline. She will talk about her research and how it can be used to help conserve the habitats of these amazing creatures.

ABOUT THE PRESENTERBachelor of Science (Marine Biology), Postgraduate Certificate in Wildlife Conservation and PhD Environmental Science.Kate is a research scientist working on marine projects all over Australia involving a wide range of sharks and fish. Her PhD research on wobbegong sharks investigated where sharks swim and how long they spend in marine protected areas. She knows that by conserving our marine parks we are helping protect some of Sydney��s most interesting creatures.

Investigate the extraordinary expeditions into inland Australia of Eyre, Kennedy & Jackey Jackey, Leichhardt and Burke & Wills. Get up close to the primary sources and hear their amazing back stories in this interactive video conference. Your students will develop their skills of source analysis and research.

Investigate the extraordinary expeditions into inland Australia of Eyre, Kennedy & Jackey Jackey, Leichhardt and Burke & Wills. Get up close to the primary sources and hear their amazing back stories in this interactive video conference. Your students will develop their skills of source analysis and research.

• Students will learn about the role, features and importance of our native ants and the impact of red imported fire ants on our environment, society and agricultural production. • Students will meet a scientist, Nerida Gill, who will explain her work with fire ants and the biosecurity measures used to keep us and our environment safe. • Students will collaboratively complete a comparison of native ants and red imported fire ants to consolidate their learning.

The Australian National Maritime Museum is pleased to present a special program for students studying the Frank Hurley documentary as a prescribed text for the Discovery Area of Study. Meet the film makers Simon Nasht and Anna Cater to hear how they approached dealing with the subject matter, constructing the story and making the film. The talk will be followed by a Q & A where students will have the chance to ask Simon and Anna questions about their film and learn about the available HSC study resources.

This is a unique opportunity to hear first-hand from the composers of a prescribed HSC text.

Join Libby Hathorn, author, poet and educator, direct from the State Library of NSW for this free writing masterclass with a difference.

Libby will showcase items from the Library collection and reveal their connection to much loved Australian poems drawn from her recent compilation 'The ABC Book of Australian Poetry' (ABC Book, 2010). Libby will then lead your students in a step by step process, 'The Hathorn Technique' (see article in Scan, Connected Classroom 2012) to create their own poetry.

This masterclass is a series of two video conferences held one week apart, and offers a wonderful opportunity for students to engage with an expert for deeper enjoyment of the art of poetry as well as developing the skills and techniques to write their own engaging, original poetry. You will need to book separately for the session on 13 March as well as this one.

Find out how your primary classroom can be transformed into an interactive science environment without breaking the bank. Learn how to use easily obtainable materials from the local shops to run hands-on experiments that cover chemistry, forces, light and sound. During this session you will run a number of simple experiments in your location. Schedule this as part of your staff meeting!

The session is presented by Ben Newsome, a recipient of a 2013 Churchill Fellowship on best practice in science education via video conference, ISTE interactive video conferencing leader and 2015 Australian Small Business Champion for Education Services.

Short video: https://vimeo.com/79714696

Time for questions will be provided throughout the session, as well as an opportunity to discuss demonstrations after the conference. For new scheme teachers maintaining accreditation at the level of professional competence, this activity could be used as part of your TIPD (Teacher Identified Professional Development.)

Find out how your primary classroom can be transformed into an interactive science environment without breaking the bank. Learn how to use easily obtainable materials from the local shops to run hands-on experiments that cover chemistry, forces, light and sound. During this session you will run a number of simple experiments in your location. Schedule this as part of your staff meeting!

The session is presented by Ben Newsome, a recipient of a 2013 Churchill Fellowship on best practice in science education via video conference, ISTE interactive video conferencing leader and 2015 Australian Small Business Champion for Education Services.

Short video: https://vimeo.com/79714696

Time for questions will be provided throughout the session, as well as an opportunity to discuss demonstrations after the conference. For new scheme teachers maintaining accreditation at the level of professional competence, this activity could be used as part of your TIPD (Teacher Identified Professional Development.)

Find out how your primary classroom can be transformed into an interactive science environment without breaking the bank. Learn how to use easily obtainable materials from the local shops to run hands-on experiments that cover chemistry, forces, light and sound. During this session you will run a number of simple experiments in your location. Schedule this as part of your staff meeting!

The session is presented by Ben Newsome, a recipient of a 2013 Churchill Fellowship on best practice in science education via video conference, ISTE interactive video conferencing leader and 2015 Australian Small Business Champion for Education Services.

Short video: https://vimeo.com/79714696

Time for questions will be provided throughout the session, as well as an opportunity to discuss demonstrations after the conference. For new scheme teachers maintaining accreditation at the level of professional competence, this activity could be used as part of your TIPD (Teacher Identified Professional Development.)

Find out how your primary classroom can be transformed into an interactive science environment without breaking the bank. Learn how to use easily obtainable materials from the local shops to run hands-on experiments that cover chemistry, forces, light and sound. During this session you will run a number of simple experiments in your location. Schedule this as part of your staff meeting!

The session is presented by Ben Newsome, a recipient of a 2013 Churchill Fellowship on best practice in science education via video conference, ISTE interactive video conferencing leader and 2015 Australian Small Business Champion for Education Services.

Short video: https://vimeo.com/79714696

Time for questions will be provided throughout the session, as well as an opportunity to discuss demonstrations after the conference. For new scheme teachers maintaining accreditation at the level of professional competence, this activity could be used as part of your TIPD (Teacher Identified Professional Development.)

Find out how your primary classroom can be transformed into an interactive science environment without breaking the bank. Learn how to use easily obtainable materials from the local shops to run hands-on experiments that cover chemistry, forces, light and sound. During this session you will run a number of simple experiments in your location. Schedule this as part of your staff meeting!

The session is presented by Ben Newsome, a recipient of a 2013 Churchill Fellowship on best practice in science education via video conference, ISTE interactive video conferencing leader and 2015 Australian Small Business Champion for Education Services.

Short video: https://vimeo.com/79714696

Time for questions will be provided throughout the session, as well as an opportunity to discuss demonstrations after the conference. For new scheme teachers maintaining accreditation at the level of professional competence, this activity could be used as part of your TIPD (Teacher Identified Professional Development.)

This is a 45-minute group lesson for DEC teachers and other adults (e.g. retired teachers and outside tutors taking recorder ensembles in NSW schools) funded by Sydney Region. Join us in person at Kegworth Public School (Leichhardt) or via your school's connected classroom. Sessions happen every Thursday 3.45-4.30 and are suitable for players of all standards.

Coinciding with the announcement of the 2015 winner of the Art Gallery of NSW Archibald Prize, this video conference workshop will show students tips and techniques on how to draw lifelike portraits.

Kristine will show you and your students how to tackle a portrait from the beginning and demonstrate how to create highlights and shadows that result in a realistic representation of the subject. The drawings may then be used as studies for paint, collage or other art techniques to produce totally individual artworks.

Back in one of his junior years at school, a guest speaker came into Carl’s class and showed a robot that he had built. It was a life-sized R2D2 with driving capability, sensors, and code that made sure it didn’t crash into anyone (well, at least that was the aim). While this sounds cool, it would have been a lot of hard work for someone over 20 years ago. However, the software and hardware tools available today give a great opportunity to foster the curiosity of many technologically minded and non-technology minded people. In this talk, Carl will look at some of the available projects for getting started, and then look at some of the more largescale projects that have been going on in the world of robotics and automation.

ABOUT THE PRESENTER

Carl graduated with first class honours in Engineering which had focuses in algorithm theory, operating systems, and instrumentation control. Continuing from this, his main research has been in design flow analysis. He has a keen interest in systems design, software architectures, operations, logistics, and he is more broadly interested in teaching, pedagogy, learning styles, and curriculum development at the university level. More recently, Carl has been active as a casual academic at Macquarie University in areas of software and systems engineering (both an Undergraduate and Postgraduate levels). He is also a technical volunteer in FIRST Australia, which is a not-for-profit company looking to provide a rich platform for high school students to nurture their STEM-related skills in varying levels of robotics tournaments.

Students will have the opportunity to view original collection items, and delve into the stories behind these primary sources as State Library Learning staff bring to life the European exploration and colonisation of Australia. Collection items will include iconic artefacts from this period. Pre-visit notes will allow students to prepare some questions for this Q & A style interview.

Students will have the opportunity to view original collection items, and delve into the stories behind these primary sources as State Library Learning staff bring to life the European exploration and colonisation of Australia. Collection items will include iconic artefacts from this period. Pre-visit notes will allow students to prepare some questions for this Q & A style interview.

Students will have the opportunity to view original collection items, and delve into the stories behind these primary sources as State Library Learning staff bring to life the European exploration and colonisation of Australia. Collection items will include iconic artefacts from this period. Pre-visit notes will allow students to prepare some questions for this Q & A style interview.

Students will have the opportunity to view original collection items, and delve into the stories behind these primary sources as State Library Learning staff bring to life the European exploration and colonisation of Australia. Collection items will include iconic artefacts from this period. Pre-visit notes will allow students to prepare some questions for this Q & A style interview.

Join Dr Ellen Jorgensen renowned New York TED speaker as she talks about Genspace, a not for profit community laboratory dedicated to promoting citizen science and access to biotechnology.Dr Ellen will explore how novel DNA technologies are changing and improving our lives.With a focus on real life examples Dr Ellen will describe how agricultural production, healthcare and conservation are supported by improvements in DNA extraction, data analysis and genetic investigations.

This event is organised by the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney and supported by Inspiring Australia.

In this lesson students will learn about living things, life cycles, basic needs and how animals grow and change by discovering how farmers look after the animals on their farms. They will identify items in a healthy packed lunch and discuss where they came from. Students will role-play the different jobs on a farm and complete interactive quizzes, as well as speak directly to guest farmers and ask any questions they have about life on a farm.

Australian Curriculum Links:Foundation – Year 2Design and Technologies: ACTDEK003Explore how plants and animals are grown for food, clothing and shelter and how food is selected and prepared for healthy eating

FoundationScience Understanding: ACSSU002Living things have basic needs, including food and water

Year 1Science Understanding: ACSSU017Living things have a variety of external featuresScience as a Human Endeavour: ACSHE022People use science in their daily lives, including when caring for their environment and living things

Year 2Science Understanding: ACSSU030Living things grow, change and have offspring similar to themselves

In this lesson students will learn about living things, life cycles, basic needs and how animals grow and change by discovering how farmers look after the animals on their farms. They will identify items in a healthy packed lunch and discuss where they came from. Students will role-play the different jobs on a farm and complete interactive quizzes, as well as speak directly to guest farmers and ask any questions they have about life on a farm.

Australian Curriculum Links:Foundation – Year 2Design and Technologies: ACTDEK003Explore how plants and animals are grown for food, clothing and shelter and how food is selected and prepared for healthy eating

FoundationScience Understanding: ACSSU002Living things have basic needs, including food and water

Year 1Science Understanding: ACSSU017Living things have a variety of external featuresScience as a Human Endeavour: ACSHE022People use science in their daily lives, including when caring for their environment and living things

Year 2Science Understanding: ACSSU030Living things grow, change and have offspring similar to themselves

There are a variety of resources available for teachers at target100.com.au

This live, interactive workshop led by a professional actor will inspire students to transform words and stories from the page to the stage! Using dramatic techniques, students will develop their comprehension of written text and learn to communicate meaning through voice, body, time and place.This curriculum-linked workshop will develop literacy, comprehension, and storytelling skills in an imaginative way. engaging students in creating, performing and appreciating drama. Students will participate in vocal and physical warm-ups and experiment with performance techniques such as improvisation, characterisation and sequencing action- all while developing important general skills such as verbal and non-verbal communication, collaboration and team work.

This live, interactive workshop led by a professional actor will inspire students to transform words and stories from the page to the stage! Using dramatic techniques, students will develop their comprehension of written text and learn to communicate meaning through voice, body, time and place.

This curriculum-linked workshop will develop literacy, comprehension, and storytelling skills in an imaginative way. engaging students in creating, performing and appreciating drama. Students will participate in vocal and physical warm-ups and experiment with performance techniques such as improvisation, characterisation and sequencing action- all while developing important general skills such as verbal and non-verbal communication, collaboration and team work.

Gamilaraay language is one of the largest groups in New South Wales and it consists of a vast range of geographical land forms and environment; from waterways, skies, mountains, ridges, plants, animals, and people.

This is a launch for the K-2 book Gaarrala Kylegu (Brush with Kyle) which will be featuring NRL Indigenous Allstar and South Sydney Rabbitoh Kyle Turner. Kyle is from Gamilaraay country, playing his Junior Rugby League for the Coonabarabran Unicorns and making his NRL first debut in 2014, Kyle represented the Indigenous All Stars team in 2015. This launch will also be featuring the Minister of Indigenous of Affairs as the co-funders of this exciting new resource.

The book instructs children about the basics of teeth brushing. Kyle Brushes his teeth every morning before he goes to work and every night before he goes to sleep. In the book it will have translation of English and the Gamilaraay/Yuwaalaraay language.

The Video conference will look at the dynamic earth forming processes. There will be explosive experiments demonstrated including the step by step exploration of the different phases of a volcanic eruption. You will also see Australian Museum specimens and there will be opportunities to ask questions, so have some ready.

Students will learn about the layering of lava flows, see if rocks float and learn how to make a gas and find out about the rock cycle. Students will see a volcano erupt and have the opportunity to construct then explode one in their own classroom. The lesson will also show Australian Museum specimens and involve question and answer opportunities.

The Video conference will look at the dynamic earth forming processes. There will be explosive experiments demonstrated including the step by step exploration of the different phases of a volcanic eruption. You will also see Australian Museum specimens and there will be opportunities to ask questions, so have some ready.

Students will learn about the layering of lava flows, see if rocks float and learn how to make a gas and find out about the rock cycle. Students will see a volcano erupt and have the opportunity to construct then explode one in their own classroom. The lesson will also show Australian Museum specimens and involve question and answer opportunities.

The Video conference will look at the dynamic earth forming processes. There will be explosive experiments demonstrated including the step by step exploration of the different phases of a volcanic eruption. You will also see Australian Museum specimens and there will be opportunities to ask questions, so have some ready.

Students will learn about the layering of lava flows, see if rocks float and learn how to make a gas and find out about the rock cycle. Students will see a volcano erupt and have the opportunity to construct then explode one in their own classroom. The lesson will also show Australian Museum specimens and involve question and answer opportunities.

Global Dignity is a conversation about dignity. Dignity is the very foundation of our humanity. Dignity is universal. Dignity is also the source of human rights.

The aim is to make the concept of dignity tangible and understandable to all students who participate. Defining dignity in their own words and sharing stories from their own lives gives students ownership of the concept.

The workshop is 2 hours in duration and ideal for year 10 students.

First Plenary (45min): Following a short welcome, Dr Tim Soutphommasane will present the keynote address.

Dr Soutphommasane is Race Discrimination Commissioner and commenced his five-year appointment on 20 August 2013. Prior to joining the Australian Human Rights Commission, he was a political philosopher and held posts at The University of Sydney and Monash University. His thinking on multiculturalism, national identity and patriotism has been influential in shaping debates in Australia and Britain. He completed a Doctor of Philosophy and Master of Philosophy (with distinction) at the University of Oxford, and is a first-class honours graduate of The University of Sydney.

Dr Soutphommasane is the author of four books, I’m not racist but … (2015), The Virtuous Citizen (2012), Don't Go Back To Where You Came From (2012), and Reclaiming Patriotism (2009). He was co-editor (with Nick Dyrenfurth) of All That's Left (2010). He has been an opinion columnist with The Age and The Weekend Australian newspapers, and in 2013 presented the documentary series “Mongrel Nation” on ABC Radio National.

Classroom activity (Offline 45min): Students are then asked to further explore the concept of dignity in a small workshop facilitated offline in their classrooms. Teacher resources are available to support facilitation of this session. At the end of this session students are asked to think of their personal experience of dignity and are assisted to prepare a dignity story.

Second Plenary (30min): Class groups will then reconvene online for a plenary session where some students will have an opportunity share their dignity stories.

A fun, interactive class where we will slither like snakes, stretch like cats and enjoy lots of yoga postures on our adventures together. Our focus is on developing a strong, flexible body, capturing the imagination and connecting to a place of stillness within. We learn the benefits of positive thinking with affirmations, improved concentration with meditation and discover inner peace & calm with relaxation techniques.

A fun, interactive class where we will slither like snakes, stretch like cats and enjoy lots of yoga postures on our adventures together. Our focus is on developing a strong, flexible body, capturing the imagination and connecting to a place of stillness within. We learn the benefits of positive thinking with affirmations, improved concentration with meditation and discover inner peace & calm with relaxation techniques.

How can we use physics to explain the motion of the massive objects in our Solar System? Johannes Kepler explained the motion of the planets as they orbit the Sun, paving the way for Sir Isaac Newton’s Law of Universal Gravitation. A curriculum-focused Physics lecture based on content from the New South Wales Higher School Certificate “Space” Module and Australian Curriculum content: ACSPH093, ACSPH094, ACSPH095, ACSPH096, ACSPH101.

These two one-hour sessions will involve a close look at the role of instructional reading in the reading hour. We will also explore the setting up the classroom for success and implementing purposeful activities for the class while the teacher works with a small group

Guided Reading will be defined and demonstrated.

Guided Reading is most effective when:- texts are selected at an instructional level based on effective assessment- good quality texts are selected and- teaching outcomes are made explicit regarding teacher preparation

In addition, the use of alternative small group instructional reading strategies- Reciprocal Reading, Literature Circles - within a balanced reading program will be described.

The second hour (Thursday 20 August 3.00pm-4.00pm) will explain how to incorporate the use of effective comprehension strategies before reading, during reading and after reading, in order that the teacher can facilitate the small group instructional sessions for maximum benefit. This session will explain how to set up the classroom for success and answer the question, “What are the others doing?” while the teacher works with a small group.

The second session of this two part workshop will explain how to incorporate the use of effective comprehension strategies before reading, during reading and after reading, in order that the teacher can facilitate the small group instructional sessions for maximum benefit. This session will explain how to set up the classroom for success and answer the question, “What are the others doing?” while the teacher works with a small group.

PART 1 (Thursday 13 August) covered:

A close look at the role of instructional reading in the reading hour.

Guided Reading was defined and demonstrated.

Guided Reading is most effective when:- texts are selected at an instructional level based on effective assessment- good quality texts are selected and- teaching outcomes are made explicit regarding teacher preparation

The use of alternative small group instructional reading strategies- Reciprocal Reading, Literature Circles - within a balanced reading program was described.

If you missed this first session please contact Trish Hurley at EDTV at: trish@edtv.com.au or 0415 795 757 to register your interest. Sessions can be tailored to suit the needs of your school and directed to different levels or for special needs.

Gus has illustrated and written over 70 books for children. His picture book 'Herman and Rosie' has won numerous awards, been adapted for the stage, and has since been sold into 12 countries.

Gus is looking forward to chatting to the students about his soon-to-be-released book 'Somewhere Else' ... about its evolution from the initial idea to storyboarding, writing and editing, through to the completion of the final illustrations.

Along the way he'll also discuss where he gets his ideas from and why his imagined characters are always animals.

We would like to invite registered schools to submit questions for Gus. The best of these have the chance to WIN a copy of Gus' brand new book 'Somewhere Else', the irresistible story about a duck called George, the possibility of adventure, and taking risks to realise what you value most.

To recognise Harmony Day the Australian Museum presenting the My Cultural Object video conference. Students explore the concept of ‘culture’ and collect an object of personal significance to them.

They observe and learn about Aboriginal cultural objects and their importance to Aboriginal people. Museum collections and exhibitions are investigated so that students can create an exhibition with the objects they have collected.

To recognise Harmony Day the Australian Museum presenting the My Cultural Object video conference. Students explore the concept of ‘culture’ and collect an object of personal significance to them.

They observe and learn about Aboriginal cultural objects and their importance to Aboriginal people. Museum collections and exhibitions are investigated so that students can create an exhibition with the objects they have collected.

Note: All workshops offered by The Big Issue Classroom can be scheduled at a time to suit you. Please call Sam Clark on 02 8332 7200 or email nswclassroom@bigissue.org.au to arrange a session.

The Big Issue Classroom is a social enterprise initiative of The Big Issue. Our online workshops provide students with a "real-life" insight into homelessness, marginalisation and disadvantage, as experienced by thousands of Australians every night. By booking a workshop you are helping to create employment for disadvantaged Australians, enabling them to earn an income, regain confidence, and move on with their lives.

The Big Issue Classroom truly is "a Classroom Experience That Makes a Difference."

In all workshops, a specialist facilitator challenges stereotypes about homelessness and explains how The Big Issue helps people reconnect with the community. We then share a personal story of homelessness. For secondary students, this is a first-hand account from someone who has experienced homelessness personally. For primary students, we share an interactive illustrated version.

Both primary and secondary workshops are available. Please specify which workshop you would like. For a list of workshops, please visit our website www.thebigissue.org.au/the-big-issue-classroom-about/

The Hospital Explorer Virtual Excursion is a new online version of the Hospital Explorer Program for Year 1 students, which has been running at Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick (SCH) for over 15 years. The program aims to demystify the hospital environment and promote staying healthy, whilst exploring themes relevant to the school curriculum. Students will:- learn about playing safely, preventing disease and making healthy choices- use equipment to understand how the body works- meet a real Doctor, Child Life Therapist and Physiotherapist who work at the hospital - solve the mystery of what actually happens in hospital!

A Hospital Explorer resource box is sent out to schools prior to the excursion which contains the necessary equipment for students to participate in the program's activities. Schools can continue to use the Hospital Explorer Box to participate in future virtual excursions or to supplement their own teaching.

*The Hospital Explorer Box is a necessary resource for students to participate in the virtual excursion. It contains hospital equipment and teaching aides that will be used during the program. The box can also be used in isolation of the excursion by teachers throughout the year to supplement their own lessons.

The excursion will include a storybook presentation that will be shared via video conference. Please check that you can view ‘shared content’ by setting your video conferencing unit to PC2. All schools are provided with a hard-copy version of the storybook in the Hospital Explorer Box in case there are any problems viewing the storybook presentation during the session.

The Hospital Explorer Virtual Excursion is a new online version of the Hospital Explorer Program for Year 1 students, which has been running at Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick (SCH) for over 15 years. The program aims to demystify the hospital environment and promote staying healthy, whilst exploring themes relevant to the school curriculum. Students will:- learn about playing safely, preventing disease and making healthy choices- use equipment to understand how the body works- meet a real Doctor, Child Life Therapist and Physiotherapist who work at the hospital - solve the mystery of what actually happens in hospital!

A Hospital Explorer resource box is sent out to schools prior to the excursion which contains the necessary equipment for students to participate in the program's activities. Schools can continue to use the Hospital Explorer Box to participate in future virtual excursions or to supplement their own teaching.

*The Hospital Explorer Box is a necessary resource for students to participate in the virtual excursion. It contains hospital equipment and teaching aides that will be used during the program. The box can also be used in isolation of the excursion by teachers throughout the year to supplement their own lessons.

The Hospital Explorer Virtual Excursion is a new online version of the Hospital Explorer Program for Year 1 students, which has been running at Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick (SCH) for over 15 years. The program aims to demystify the hospital environment and promote staying healthy, whilst exploring themes relevant to the school curriculum. Students will:- learn about playing safely, preventing disease and making healthy choices- use equipment to understand how the body works- meet a real Doctor, Child Life Therapist and Physiotherapist who work at the hospital - solve the mystery of what actually happens in hospital!

A Hospital Explorer resource box is sent out to schools prior to the excursion which contains the necessary equipment for students to participate in the program's activities. Schools can continue to use the Hospital Explorer Box to participate in future virtual excursions or to supplement their own teaching.

*The Hospital Explorer Box is a necessary resource for students to participate in the virtual excursion. It contains hospital equipment and teaching aides that will be used during the program. The box can also be used in isolation of the excursion by teachers throughout the year to supplement their own lessons.

The Hospital Explorer Virtual Excursion is a new online version of the Hospital Explorer Program for Year 1 students, which has been running at Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick (SCH) for over 15 years. The program aims to demystify the hospital environment and promote staying healthy, whilst exploring themes relevant to the school curriculum. Students will:- learn about playing safely, preventing disease and making healthy choices- use equipment to understand how the body works- meet a real Doctor, Child Life Therapist and Physiotherapist who work at the hospital - solve the mystery of what actually happens in hospital!

A Hospital Explorer resource box is sent out to schools prior to the excursion which contains the necessary equipment for students to participate in the program's activities. Schools can continue to use the Hospital Explorer Box to participate in future virtual excursions or to supplement their own teaching.

*The Hospital Explorer Box is a necessary resource for students to participate in the virtual excursion. It contains hospital equipment and teaching aides that will be used during the program. The box can also be used in isolation of the excursion by teachers throughout the year to supplement their own lessons.

With the weather heating up it is time to look at how you cope in the HEAT. Join this session to find out how your class can be involved in an Australian National University study on working in the heat.

Australian National University is conducting a research project investigating health and productivity responses to working in the heat across the nation. The project arose from the national lack of understanding of how Australia is likely to cope with increasingly hot summers.

Despite the fact that Australia gets hot in summer, and on average a 1000 people die every year from heat exposure. The more people enrolling in the study the better the data capture and more reliable the findings.

With the weather heating up it is time to look at how you cope in the HEAT. Join this session to find out how your class can be involved in an Australian National University study on working in the heat.

Australian National University is conducting a research project investigating health and productivity responses to working in the heat across the nation. The project arose from the national lack of understanding of how Australia is likely to cope with increasingly hot summers.

Despite the fact that Australia gets hot in summer, and on average a 1000 people die every year from heat exposure. The more people enrolling in the study the better the data capture and more reliable the findings.

Discover how Indigenous or Rural students, who aspire to be doctors, can achieve their dream and gain entry into Medicine. This presentation will outline:- Rural Student Entry and Indigenous Entry Schemes into UNSW Medicine- Selection criteria and how to apply- Accommodation and scholarships- Our world-class rural campusesCurrent medical students will also share their personal experiences of applying and studying Medicine at UNSW.

What is social media, why is it so addictive and how can we use it to our advantage? In this Q&A session, Catharine will speak about social media and how it can have a large impact, both good and bad, on students study habits. As a social media researcher, Catharine will show students how social media is actually helping them develop certain skills which will be beneficial for their future careers. Catharine will enlighten students on how to use social media productively for study as well as techniques to help students stay focused and not become distracted by social media during study times.

ABOUT THE PRESENTER

Catharine Lumby is a Professor of Media at Macquarie University who has conducted extensive research that involves listening to young people and asking them about their views on social and online media. She has written widely on young people, education and social and online media and is frequently called on as a media commentator in the area. She is passionate about seeing young people’s voices reflected in public debates. Catharine has been the recipient of seven Australian Research Council grants.

ENGINEERING VIDEO CONFERENCE SERIES: How Valuable is 3D Printing? The Positive Impacts of Additive Manufacturing on Society and Engineering

ABOUT THE PRESENTATION

Additive manufacturing, or ‘3D printing’ is a rapid prototyping technique which is having a profound impact on traditional manufacturing. In this talk, Nicholas will enlighten students to the social impact of additive manufacturing and the challenges it has brought forward in the workflow of mechanical design and manufacturing. He will review the benefits of this rapid prototyping technique and the disruption it has brought upon traditional manufacturing techniques. Students will be introduced to various case studies that illustrate the positive impact that additive manufacturing is having on society and economics. By the end of this talk, students will have a better understanding of additive manufacturing and its value in society.

ABOUT THE PRESENTER

Dr Nicholas Tse received his Bachelor of Science degree in nanotechnology from UNSW and his PhD in physical chemistry from the University of Melbourne. In his doctoral research, he has applied his knowledge of inorganic chemistry and interest in nanotechnology for the development of novel magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents. Since then, he has joined Macquarie University as a post-doctoral research fellow, developing novel hydrogen fuel cell catalysts. He is currently an associate lecturer in the department of engineering teaching introductory courses, which include a 2nd year subject; Introduction to Materials Engineering.

Important information about the format of these sessions:- Students collaboratively revise the HSC Chemistry Production of Materials module by giving short 2-3 minute presentations about syllabus dot points, using diagrams and summaries on butcher's paper.- Students then put their revised knowledge of content into practice by answering past HSC questions and co-marking their answers using marking guidelines.- Please read more on our website before booking this session: www.ansto.gov.au/elearning

- Students collaboratively revise the HSC Physics Quanta to Quarks module by giving short 2-3 minute presentations about syllabus dot points, using diagrams and summaries on butcher's paper.- Students then put their revised knowledge of content into practice by answering past HSC questions and co-marking their answers using marking guidelines.- Please read more on our website before booking this session: http://bit.ly/anstoelearning

Students look at major body systems and how the five senses work in this engaging workshop!Where is heat in your body conserved? How do the lungs work? Heart, kidneys, bones, liver and other vital organs are discussed. What happens to food when I swallow? Also covers basic hygiene practices, reflexes, inheritance and the components of skin, blood and hair.

Your class will have a chance to run experiments during the event using materials provided by your school. Video of this conference in action: https://player.vimeo.com/video/79648619

Fizzics Education will provide information on materials required prior to the event date.Should you require a different day please contact us and we'll arrange a suitable time for you!

Australian curriculum outcomes:

Living things have structural features and adaptations that help them to survive in their environment (ACSSU043)The growth and survival of living things are affected by the physical conditions of their environment (ACSSU094)

NSW Syllabus Outcomes: Science & Technology

Science

Outcomes: A student

- describes that living things have life cycles, can be distinguished from non-living things and grouped, based on their observable features (ST2-10LW)

- describes how structural features and other adaptations of living things help them to survive in their environment (ST3-10LW)

Learn how the easy- to- use SRL strategies and class content can help you enhance your students' engagement, improve their fitness and co-ordination, build leadership skills, - and ultimately help improve their numeracy and literacy.

Whether you wish to embed the Safe Respectful Learners process in the Curriculum and Welfare Policies of your school or use components of the program in your class room or at home, the iKi SRL Course has something for you. Phone Kim on 0411 251 922 for more details.

Learn how the easy- to- use SRL strategies and class content can help you enhance your students' engagement, improve their fitness and co-ordination, build leadership skills, - and ultimately help improve their numeracy and literacy.

Whether you wish to embed the Safe Respectful Learners process in the Curriculum and Welfare Policies of your school or use components of the program in your class room or at home, the iKi SRL Course has something for you. Phone Kim on 0411 251 922 for more details.

A resources covered in the session will be posted at http://www.rde.nsw.edu.au/strategies-for-success-2015/The International Day of People with Disability is a United Nations sanctioned day that celebrates progress in breaking down barriers, opening doors, and realising an inclusive society for all. As part of this day, five well known educators and accessibility advocates are sharing a series of seven short (30 minute) taster sessions on successful practical strategies to support a diverse range of learners reach their potential.

Session 1: - 9:30am – 10:00amTopic: Using the iPad to support students with literacy difficulties Presenter: Joe Allen About: exploring the tools available on the iPad to help students with their reading and writing, including accessibility features and a range of apps that can ensure these students are accessing the curriculum and presenting what they understand in a variety of ways.

Session 2: - 10:10am – 10:40amTopic: iPads for communication supportPresenter: Gai CrossAbout: An initial look at a couple of AAC apps that can be used to support learners needing to communicate through alternate means.Focus on Proloquo2Go.

Session 3: - 10:50am – 11:20amTopic: Accessibility and hearing impairment Presenter: Michael HarrisonAbout: We will check out some of the accessibility features of iOS devices that may be useful for students with hearing impairment. We will also look at how to connect hearing devices to IWB and similar.

Session 5: - 12:10pm – 12:40pmTopic: Creating accessible Word documentsPresenter: Fiona ThomasAbout: How to use built in structures in Office program Word to create Accessible word documents for students with additional learning and support needs.Inclusive of all devices that you can run Office Word on.

Session 6: - 12:50pm – 1:20pmTopic: Literacy Support within Google Apps for EducationPresenter: Gai CrossAbout: An overview of how Google extensions can be added to Chrome Browser to aid with reading and spelling. Focus on TextHelp Read, Write for Google.

Session 1: Who are the Wiradyuri? What was their traditional lifestyle & culture pre- European contact? Join us for an open mic Q&A between Wiradyuri Elder, Dinawan Dyirribang, also known as Uncle Bill Allen and childrens author Paul Stafford. Topics include the traditional Wiradyuri lifestyle and customs prior to first contact with Europeans, how that interaction descended from peaceful under Governor Macquarie to warfare under Governor Brisbane, some famous historical Wiradyuri identities like Windradyne, and the future of reconciliation. Schools can book into individual session or all four. Session 1 (25 August) Who are the Wiradyuri? What was their traditional lifestyle & culture pre- European contact? Session 2 (1 September) First contact between Wiradyuri and Europeans. Session 3 (8 September) The Black Wars & Wiradyuri identities of that era. Session 4 (15 September) Reconciliation - Building Bridges - Where to from here?

In this practical workshop students learn about lifestyles and beliefs of Indigenous Australians whilst creating their own totem. Concepts and culture will be demonstrated with real artefacts and aboriginal cultural material. This workshop was developed by Indigenous educators at the Australian Museum.This workshop can be packaged with the Indigenous Art workshop

The Australian National Maritime Museum is proud to host award winning children's author and artist Jeannie Baker for an exclusive chat. Join us as we talk to Jeannie about her new picture Circle. Find out about Jeannie, her background, her inspirations and what it like creating a picture book.

We live in a society exquisitely dependent on science and technology, in which hardly anyone knows anything about science and technology.�� Carl Sagan, Scientist and Astronomer (1934-1996)���Girls are born problem solvers and, more than ever, they want to make a difference in their world, making them natural scientists and innovators. It��s up to us to harness their talent and energy with hands-on experiences, real-world role models and a focus on the possibilities that science can make in their lives and the lives of others��. Eileen Sweeney, 2008With the current research indicating there is trend for young female students to opt out of science in the senior secondary years, the Australian National Maritime Museum in conjunction with UNSW for International Women��s Day, is hosting a Women in Science Symposium at the museum and through video conferencing, to encourage high school girls to look beyond the lab coats and to see the possibilities for scientific careers.

The second part of today��s women and science symposium will be chaired by Scientia Professor Veena Sahajwalla Associate Dean (Strategic Industry Relations) UNSW Science Director Centre for Sustainable Materials..As a modern day ���alchemist�� UNSW ARC Laureate Fellow and Professor Veena Sahajwalla is revolutionising the way the world thinks about waste by leveraging high temperature reactions to transform waste into valuable raw materials for production.

Science 50:50 is being led by Professor Sahajwalla, and is supported by her ARC-funded Georgina Sweet Fellowship.

Science 50:50 is a program that aims to inspire young women to pursue degrees and careers in science and technology so they can succeed in an innovation driven future. Science 50:50 makes the simple point ��� since half the population is female, why not half the scientists and technologists? By informing and engaging young women with the power of science and technology to solve complex problems and transform lives, and by introducing them to Australian scientists and innovators who are doing just that, Science 50:50 can help recalibrate the gender balance.

We live in a society exquisitely dependent on science and technology, in which hardly anyone knows anything about science and technology.�� Carl Sagan, Scientist and Astronomer (1934-1996)���Girls are born problem solvers and, more than ever, they want to make a difference in their world, making them natural scientists and innovators. It��s up to us to harness their talent and energy with hands-on experiences, real-world role models and a focus on the possibilities that science can make in their lives and the lives of others��. Eileen Sweeney, 2008With the current research indicating there is trend for young female students to opt out of science in the senior secondary years, the Australian National Maritime Museum in conjunction with UNSW for International Women��s Day, is hosting a Women in Science Symposium at the museum and through video conferencing, to encourage high school girls to look beyond the lab coats and to see the possibilities for scientific careers.

The panel of guest speakers both national and international will talk about their careers and the types of interesting research they undertake.Chair Scientia Professor Veena Sahajwalla Director Centre for Sustainable Materials Research and TechnologyMicheline-Nicole Jenner Marine Biologist Centre for Whale Research WADr Katy Croff Bell Ph.d Expedition Leader Vice President and Chief Scientist Ocean Exploration TrustDr Katherine Dafforn research SIMS UNSWDr Inke Falkner SIMS

The 2016 Safer Internet Day Virtual Classroom will immerse students into the hype and excitement of Cherrybrook Primary School’s inaugural X-Factor competition!

Can your students help the aspiring performers to make wise and respectful choices on social media as they upload, post, share and comment on acts in preparation for the Grand Final?

The presentation will assist students to:• understand the possible consequences of posting images• be a good bystander• communicate online respectfully• understand how to report inappropriate material and contact

During the "Introduction to the Great Barrier Reef" videoconference, your students will participate in a virtual dive into Reef HQ Aquarium's Coral Reef and Predator exhibits and will have the oppurtunity to interact live with a SCUBA diver while they learn about the Great Barrier Reef. Students will learn about the diversity of reef creatures, the adaptations they possess and the role they play within the reef community. The presentation also explores the inter-relationships between marine creatures, threats to the reef and ways we can all help protect and look after the Great Barrier Reef. Should you have a specific focus or interest, our educators can tailor your presentation to meet the needs and learning objectives of your class. For example, other focus areas that can be included or expanded upon as part of the session include topics such as Climate Change and its effects of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR), Managing the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and Human uses of the GBR. The program is facilitated by a team of highly qualified marine educators who are flexible in their delivery of presentations, which can be targeted to suit all ages and stages of learning.

During the "Introduction to the Great Barrier Reef" videoconference, your students will participate in a virtual dive into Reef HQ Aquarium's Coral Reef and Predator exhibits and will have the oppurtunity to interact live with a SCUBA diver while they learn about the Great Barrier Reef. Students will learn about the diversity of reef creatures, the adaptations they possess and the role they play within the reef community. The presentation also explores the inter-relationships between marine creatures, threats to the reef and ways we can all help protect and look after the Great Barrier Reef. Should you have a specific focus or interest, our educators can tailor your presentation to meet the needs and learning objectives of your class. For example, other focus areas that can be included or expanded upon as part of the session include topics such as Climate Change and its effects of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR), Managing the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and Human uses of the GBR. The program is facilitated by a team of highly qualified marine educators who are flexible in their delivery of presentations, which can be targeted to suit all ages and stages of learning.

During the "Introduction to the Great Barrier Reef" videoconference, your students will participate in a virtual dive into Reef HQ Aquarium's Coral Reef and Predator exhibits and will have the oppurtunity to interact live with a SCUBA diver while they learn about the Great Barrier Reef. Students will learn about the diversity of reef creatures, the adaptations they possess and the role they play within the reef community. The presentation also explores the inter-relationships between marine creatures, threats to the reef and ways we can all help protect and look after the Great Barrier Reef. Should you have a specific focus or interest, our educators can tailor your presentation to meet the needs and learning objectives of your class. For example, other focus areas that can be included or expanded upon as part of the session include topics such as Climate Change and its effects of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR), Managing the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and Human uses of the GBR. The program is facilitated by a team of highly qualified marine educators who are flexible in their delivery of presentations, which can be targeted to suit all ages and stages of learning.

During the "Introduction to the Great Barrier Reef" videoconference, your students will participate in a virtual dive into Reef HQ Aquarium's Coral Reef and Predator exhibits and will have the oppurtunity to interact live with a SCUBA diver while they learn about the Great Barrier Reef. Students will learn about the diversity of reef creatures, the adaptations they possess and the role they play within the reef community. The presentation also explores the inter-relationships between marine creatures, threats to the reef and ways we can all help protect and look after the Great Barrier Reef. Should you have a specific focus or interest, our educators can tailor your presentation to meet the needs and learning objectives of your class. For example, other focus areas that can be included or expanded upon as part of the session include topics such as Climate Change and its effects of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR), Managing the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and Human uses of the GBR. The program is facilitated by a team of highly qualified marine educators who are flexible in their delivery of presentations, which can be targeted to suit all ages and stages of learning.

During the "Introduction to the Great Barrier Reef" videoconference, your students will participate in a virtual dive into Reef HQ Aquarium's Coral Reef and Predator exhibits and will have the oppurtunity to interact live with a SCUBA diver while they learn about the Great Barrier Reef. Students will learn about the diversity of reef creatures, the adaptations they possess and the role they play within the reef community. The presentation also explores the inter-relationships between marine creatures, threats to the reef and ways we can all help protect and look after the Great Barrier Reef. Should you have a specific focus or interest, our educators can tailor your presentation to meet the needs and learning objectives of your class. For example, other focus areas that can be included or expanded upon as part of the session include topics such as Climate Change and its effects of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR), Managing the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and Human uses of the GBR. The program is facilitated by a team of highly qualified marine educators who are flexible in their delivery of presentations, which can be targeted to suit all ages and stages of learning.

During the "Introduction to the Great Barrier Reef" videoconference, your students will participate in a virtual dive into Reef HQ Aquarium's Coral Reef and Predator exhibits and will have the oppurtunity to interact live with a SCUBA diver while they learn about the Great Barrier Reef. Students will learn about the diversity of reef creatures, the adaptations they possess and the role they play within the reef community. The presentation also explores the inter-relationships between marine creatures, threats to the reef and ways we can all help protect and look after the Great Barrier Reef. Should you have a specific focus or interest, our educators can tailor your presentation to meet the needs and learning objectives of your class. For example, other focus areas that can be included or expanded upon as part of the session include topics such as Climate Change and its effects of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR), Managing the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and Human uses of the GBR. The program is facilitated by a team of highly qualified marine educators who are flexible in their delivery of presentations, which can be targeted to suit all ages and stages of learning.

During the "Introduction to the Great Barrier Reef" videoconference, your students will participate in a virtual dive into Reef HQ Aquarium's Coral Reef and Predator exhibits and will have the oppurtunity to interact live with a SCUBA diver while they learn about the Great Barrier Reef. Students will learn about the diversity of reef creatures, the adaptations they possess and the role they play within the reef community. The presentation also explores the inter-relationships between marine creatures, threats to the reef and ways we can all help protect and look after the Great Barrier Reef. Should you have a specific focus or interest, our educators can tailor your presentation to meet the needs and learning objectives of your class. For example, other focus areas that can be included or expanded upon as part of the session include topics such as Climate Change and its effects of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR), Managing the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and Human uses of the GBR. The program is facilitated by a team of highly qualified marine educators who are flexible in their delivery of presentations, which can be targeted to suit all ages and stages of learning.

During the "Introduction to the Great Barrier Reef" videoconference, your students will participate in a virtual dive into Reef HQ Aquarium's Coral Reef and Predator exhibits and will have the oppurtunity to interact live with a SCUBA diver while they learn about the Great Barrier Reef. Students will learn about the diversity of reef creatures, the adaptations they possess and the role they play within the reef community. The presentation also explores the inter-relationships between marine creatures, threats to the reef and ways we can all help protect and look after the Great Barrier Reef. Should you have a specific focus or interest, our educators can tailor your presentation to meet the needs and learning objectives of your class. For example, other focus areas that can be included or expanded upon as part of the session include topics such as Climate Change and its effects of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR), Managing the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and Human uses of the GBR. The program is facilitated by a team of highly qualified marine educators who are flexible in their delivery of presentations, which can be targeted to suit all ages and stages of learning.

During the "Introduction to the Great Barrier Reef" videoconference, your students will participate in a virtual dive into Reef HQ Aquarium's Coral Reef and Predator exhibits and will have the oppurtunity to interact live with a SCUBA diver while they learn about the Great Barrier Reef. Students will learn about the diversity of reef creatures, the adaptations they possess and the role they play within the reef community. The presentation also explores the inter-relationships between marine creatures, threats to the reef and ways we can all help protect and look after the Great Barrier Reef. Should you have a specific focus or interest, our educators can tailor your presentation to meet the needs and learning objectives of your class. For example, other focus areas that can be included or expanded upon as part of the session include topics such as Climate Change and its effects of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR), Managing the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and Human uses of the GBR. The program is facilitated by a team of highly qualified marine educators who are flexible in their delivery of presentations, which can be targeted to suit all ages and stages of learning.

During the "Introduction to the Great Barrier Reef" videoconference, your students will participate in a virtual dive into Reef HQ Aquarium's Coral Reef and Predator exhibits and will have the oppurtunity to interact live with a SCUBA diver while they learn about the Great Barrier Reef. Students will learn about the diversity of reef creatures, the adaptations they possess and the role they play within the reef community. The presentation also explores the inter-relationships between marine creatures, threats to the reef and ways we can all help protect and look after the Great Barrier Reef. Should you have a specific focus or interest, our educators can tailor your presentation to meet the needs and learning objectives of your class. For example, other focus areas that can be included or expanded upon as part of the session include topics such as Climate Change and its effects of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR), Managing the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and Human uses of the GBR. The program is facilitated by a team of highly qualified marine educators who are flexible in their delivery of presentations, which can be targeted to suit all ages and stages of learning.

Explore chemistry in colourful art creations you can make in your class! Your class participates in a number of activities as a series of group activities run in class during the video conference. Fizzics Education will provide information on the simple materials required prior to the event date. Should you require a different day please contact us and we'll arrange a suitable time for you!

Australian Curriculum Outcomes:

Objects are made of materials that have observable properties (ACSSU003)Everyday materials can be physically changed in a variety of ways (ACSSU018)Different materials can be combined for a particular purpose (ACSSU031)

NSW Syllabus Outcomes: Science K - 10

A student

- identifies that objects are made of materials that have observable properties STe-9ME- identifies ways that everyday materials can be physically changed and combined for a particular purpose (ST1-12MW)

The presentation will assist students to: •identify ways that strangers may try to seek personal information online•balance online time with other activities•use safe strategies when gaming to avoid cyberbullying or unwanted contact•recognise the implications of in-app purchases•seek support if they are experiencing cyberbullying or feel unsafe when gaming.

Greg Gebhart is the Senior Trainer for the Office of the Children’s eSafety Commissioner and one of Australia’s leading presenters. Greg has provided presentations to more than 500,000 participants at state, national and international events.

“A modern-day human space program would be difficult if not impossible without the constant coverage provided by the TDRS satellites. Anything you see going to space has to be enabled by us.” Badri Younes

If you need to ...- keep track of orbiting satellites and interplanetary spacecraft- ensure constant communication with the International Space Station- relay high res images from Pluto later this year from the New Horizons flyby- investigate the possibilities for enabling live stream video from Curiosity on Mars- oversee the NASA Space Network (SN), Near-Earth Network (NEN), and Deep Space Network (DSN)- develop systems to meet space communication and navigation demands decades into the future... then Badri Younes from NASA’s SCaN department is the man to call!

In this special video conference event, Mr Younes will join us live in the Mars Lab studio during his upcoming visit to Australia. He will chat with young people and answer their questions about: the future of space communication, interplanetary exploration, humans as explorers, Australia’s role in space exploration and why NASA is a place where you can build and realise your dreams.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity for your students to ask questions and discuss ideas with a distinguished NASA scientist and leader.

Kids Helpline @ School is a free program which allows Australian primary schools to invite Kids Helpline counsellors into their classrooms via video link or phone.Students get the opportunity to talk with a counsellor during a group discussion about things impacting on their lives. Sessions aim to improve mental health literacy in primary school aged children, promote resilience and encourage help seeking behaviours.The classroom based sessions do not offer individual counselling, however, the students are introduced to Kids Helpline which is our 24 hour, 7 day a week, free, telephone and online counselling service for 5 to 25 year olds. Students will be invited to contact us should they express the need for assistance during the classroom session.

What was life like for Aboriginal People before the arrival of Europeans? In this session of our Koori Classroom series, students will learn about one of our most famous Sydney Aboriginal men ��� Bennelong. His country was Wanngal land - part of which today is Sydney Olympic Park. How would Bennelong have lived in the wetlands and woodlands of this area? What were vital foods for Bennelong and his wife Barangaroo? Join D��harawal knowledge keeper, Shannon Foster who will explain Sydney��s Indigenous seasons, share some Aboriginal science, culture and language from the Sydney region and discuss the roles of women and men in sustainably gathering foods and resources from the area. Shannon will interpret the meaning of symbols used in Aboriginal art which students can reproduce in class (and later complete their own artwork). Students will also learn an indigenous weaving skill during the Video Conference. There will be opportunity for each class to ask questions of Shannon.

In this virtual excursion your students will go back in time to the 1880s to share an hour in the life of a Mounted Trooper (played by a costumed interpreter) as he talks about the difficulties the police face in overcoming the threat of bushrangers in NSW. The Mounted Trooper has lots of stories to tell about his life in the bush and his exploits in bringing the bushrangers to justice.Our videoconference sessions are interactive and your students are encouraged to engage with the Trooper and ask him questions about his life and work: from what he thinks of bushrangers; to how the battle for the Bush between bushrangers and Troopers is being fought and why he isn��t tempted to seek his fortune on the goldfields.Students will be encouraged to look at and interpret historical source material to support differing views of bushrangers as heroes or villains.Students will see some objects from the museum��s handling collection, some original documents and a number of images and photographs from the era. The session also incorporates activities and group work.

In this virtual excursion your students will go back in time to the 1850s to share an hour in the life of a Mounted Trooper (played by a costumed interpreter) as he talks about the difficulties the police face in overcoming the threat of bushrangers in NSW. The Mounted Trooper has lots of stories to tell about his life in the bush and his exploits in bringing the bushrangers to justice.Our videoconference sessions are interactive and your students are encouraged to engage with the Trooper and ask him questions about his life and work: from what he thinks of bushrangers; to how the battle for the Bush between bushrangers and Troopers is being fought and why he isn��t tempted to seek his fortune on the goldfields.Students will be encouraged to look at and interpret historical source material to support differing views of bushrangers as heroes or villains.Students will see some objects from the museum��s handling collection, some original documents and a number of images and photographs from the era. The session also incorporates activities and group work.

In this virtual excursion your students will go back in time to the 1880s to share an hour in the life of a mounted trooper (played by a costumed interpreter) as he talks about the difficulties the police faced in overcoming the threat of bushrangers in NSW. The trooper has lots of stories to tell about his life in the bush and his exploits in bringing the bushrangers to justice. The program is interactive and your students are encouraged to engage with the trooper and ask him questions about his life and work: from what he thinks of bushrangers; to how the battle for the bush between bushrangers and troopers was fought and why he isn't tempted to seek his fortune on the goldfields.Students will be encouraged to analyse historical source material to support differing views of bushrangers as heroes or villains. Students will see some objects from the museum's handling collection, some original documents and a number of images and photographs from the era. The session also incorporates activities and group work.

In this virtual excursion your students will go back in time to the 1850s to share an hour in the life of a Mounted Trooper (played by a costumed interpreter) as he talks about the difficulties the police face in overcoming the threat of bushrangers in NSW. The Mounted Trooper has lots of stories to tell about his life in the bush and his exploits in bringing the bushrangers to justice.Our videoconference sessions are interactive and your students are encouraged to engage with the Trooper and ask him questions about his life and work: from what he thinks of bushrangers; to how the battle for the Bush between bushrangers and Troopers is being fought and why he isn��t tempted to seek his fortune on the goldfields.Students will be encouraged to look at and interpret historical source material to support differing views of bushrangers as heroes or villains.Students will see some objects from the museum��s handling collection, some original documents and a number of images and photographs from the era. The session also incorporates activities and group work.

This engaging workshop offers students a chance to learn real time programming in a fun atmosphere. Using laptops and the Lego Mindstorms EV3 robots, students are asked to complete a variety tasks whilst learning about basic programming. The programming itself is based on Lego's easy understand computer program, whereby students intuitively use the simple 'drag and drop' icons to form their code. Students are guided step by step by experienced presenter on how to program their robot to perform precise movements as well as how to operate environmental sensors such as light and sound.

- Move the robot

- Operate sound, ultrasonic and light sensors

- Use loops and switches

This class is ideal for those schools which have the hardware but have not yet commenced using the equipment. During the video conference your class will need the following:

- 1 interactive whiteboard turned on and setup to receive content from the video confernece (contact DART if unsure how to do this)

- Students seated in a "U" shape so that they call all see the robot moving. More than 1 robot in a video conference is unwieldy and not recommended.

It is highly recommended that you are familiar with toggling between preset camera angles and the presentation button on your video conference remote control. This workshop requires us to be able to view your monitor screen as you programme the robot. The class is open-ended, should you need to address specific programming challenges we can work through these during the conference.

Australian ACARA Content Outcomes:Digital Technologies

Explore and use a range of digital systems with peripheral devices for different purposes, and transmit different types of data (ACTDIK007)

Define simple problems, and describe and follow a sequence of steps and decisions (algorithms) needed to solve them (ACTDIP010)

Explain how developed solutions and existing information systems meet common personal, school or community needs, and envisage new ways of using them (ACTDIP012)

Investigate how digital systems use whole numbers as a basis for representing all types of data (ACTDIK015)

Design, modify and follow simple algorithms represented diagrammatically and in English involving sequences of steps, branching, and iteration (repetition) (ACTDIP019)

The Tale of Samulnori is an exciting new work created in collaboration between the innovative Australian company Legs On The Wall and South Korea��s AsiaNow, combining traditional and contemporary acrobatics, video imagery and live music. Inspired by a Korean fable, The Tale of Samulnori tells the story of a peaceful land sent suddenly into turmoil when a dark cloud of pollution arrives, bringing confusion and despair to the people. Four children are sent to the corners of the earth where they must convince a guardian to hand over a treasure ��� a rare and precious musical instrument which, when played in harmony, will restore peace. Through this dynamic production, students will gain insight into Korean culture and connect with environmental issues of the past and present.Primary Curriculum Links English (based on the new NSW English Syllabus), literary texts from other countries and times- drama scripts, texts that provide insights about the peoples and cultures of Asia. Creative Arts - Drama: Drama Forms: Storytelling, Movement, Units of Work: Explorers. Creative Arts- Dance: Contexts: Contemporary Dance, Acrobatics/ Circus, Unit of Work: Making Connections. Creative Arts- Music: Repertoire: Instrumental Music (percussion/ brass/ woodwind).HSIE: CulturesSecondary Curriculum LinksEnglish: (based on the new NSW English Syllabus); range of literary texts from other countries and times, including poetry, drama scripts, prose fiction and picture books, texts that provide insights about the peoples and cultures of AsiaDrama: Dramatic Forms: Physical Theatre, Circus Dance: Dance as an artform; The elements of movement (elements of dance, relationships) Dance Forms: Contemporary Dance, Circus/ Acrobatics Music: Instrumental Music (Brass, Woodwind and Percussion), Movement, Storytelling through music Languages: Korean; Making Linguistic Connections

Join the expeditioners at Casey station for a look into life on the highest, driest, windiest and coldest continent on earth. Take a look around an Antarctic station, and talk to the station leader and staff who work there over the long, dark winter. Discover the details of their day-to-day life, including what they eat, what they wear, the weather, wildlife and transport.After bookings close, all participating classes will be emailed with some preparatory work to complete. Classes will also be asked to submit a question they’d like to ask during the videoconference.

Join the expeditioners at Casey station for a look into life on the highest, driest, windiest and coldest continent on earth. Take a look around an Antarctic station, and talk to the station leader and staff who work there over the long, dark winter. Discover the details of their day-to-day life, including what they eat, what they wear, the weather, wildlife and transport.After bookings close, all participating classes will be emailed with some preparatory work to complete. Classes will also be asked to submit a question they’d like to ask during the videoconference.

Join the expeditioners at Casey station for a look into life on the highest, driest, windiest and coldest continent on earth. Take a look around an Antarctic station, and talk to the station leader and staff who work there over the long, dark winter. Discover the details of their day-to-day life, including what they eat, what they wear, the weather, wildlife and transport.After bookings close, all participating classes will be emailed with some preparatory work to complete. Classes will also be asked to submit a question they’d like to ask during the videoconference.

Join the expeditioners at Casey station for a look into life on the highest, driest, windiest and coldest continent on earth. Take a look around an Antarctic station, and talk to the station leader and staff who work there over the long, dark winter. Discover the details of their day-to-day life, including what they eat, what they wear, the weather, wildlife and transport.After bookings close, all participating classes will be emailed with some preparatory work to complete. Classes will also be asked to submit a question they’d like to ask during the videoconference.

Join the expeditioners at Davis station for a look into life on the highest, driest, windiest and coldest continent on earth. Take a look around an Antarctic station, and talk to the station leader and staff who work there over the long, dark winter. Discover the details of their day-to-day life, including what they eat, what they wear, the weather, wildlife and transport.After bookings close, all participating classes will be emailed with some preparatory work to complete. Classes will also be asked to submit a question they’d like to ask during the videoconference.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a powerful non-invasive medical imaging technique which is nowadays routinely applied in all major hospitals. MRI is used in the diagnosis of cancer, the detection of cardiovascular defects and orthopaedic lesions. But there is more… MRI is a very active field of physics and engineering research and new breakthroughs have enabled the study of brain activity, flow dynamics in blood vessels and metabolic changes during physical exercise. With MRI, we can even measure the temperature in each point of the human body. New technologies enable us to look at the dynamics of breathing and the uptake of oxygen by the lungs, for example in the case of asthma. New research is underway that will increase the sensitivity of MRI with several orders of magnitude, which would be very helpful in early cancer detection and treatment.

After a short introduction on the discovery of MRI and how it works, Yves will give an overview of some new MRI techniques and illustrate the role of physics and engineering in developing these technologies. By the end of this talk, students will have an understanding of how careers in physics or engineering are integral to the development of health technologies such as MRI.

ABOUT THE PRESENTER

Yves De Deene is a professor of Biomedical Engineering at Macquarie University who started his academic career at the Ghent University in Belgium where he worked as a medical physics researcher at the Ghent University Hospital in the field of radiotherapy and medical imaging. He arrived in Sydney in November 2012. His primary research interest is in safeguarding modern radiotherapy and applying quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to the guidance of radiation treatment. He collaborates with several medical centers in Sydney.

In this exciting 2 PART virtual excursion workshop, your students get the unique opportunity to drive a robotic rover via a web browser from your classroom across the Mars Yard (a re-creation of the surface of Mars) located at the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney.

Led by the Mars Lab team via video conference, your students will explore the various landforms and features of the Martian surface to examine the history, geological evolution and potential evidence of past habitable environments on Mars. During the excursion your students will:

- Work collaboratively to plan their mission using a mapping application- Practice driving the rover using a virtual simulation- Work collaboratively to drive the rover to sites of interest on the Mars Yard- Take photographs of sites of interest using the rover's camera

The program focuses on collaboration, planning, observation and scientific investigation.

PROGRAM OUTLINE

Part 1| Introduction to Mars exploration and the Mars Lab (45 minutes) Part 2| The mission (90 minutes) - TBD (Please book PART 2 by emailing book@maas.museum)

Part 1| Introduction to Mars exploration and the Mars Lab (45 minutes)

Via video conference, the Mars Lab team in Sydney will introduce your class to Mars exploration and the Mars Mission 5 activity. They will explain how the class will prepare for their Mars Mission.

Part 2| The mission (90 minutes)

The mission is the highlight of the session where mission teams get to drive the real robot rover and to play 5 different operational roles that will contribute to the successful completion of the mission. Students will use the rover to capture images of features and landforms associated with their clues for later analysis.

*For a more detailed outline of the program, please visit the Mars Lab website at: http://www.themarslab.org/unit/mars-mission-5/

In this exciting 2 PART virtual excursion workshop, your students get the unique opportunity to drive a robotic rover via a web browser from your classroom across the Mars Yard (a re-creation of the surface of Mars) located at the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney.

Led by the Mars Lab team via video conference, your students will explore the various landforms and features of the Martian surface to examine the history, geological evolution and potential evidence of past habitable environments on Mars. During the excursion your students will:

- Work collaboratively to plan their mission using a mapping application- Practice driving the rover using a virtual simulation- Work collaboratively to drive the rover to sites of interest on the Mars Yard- Take photographs of sites of interest using the rover's camera

The program focuses on collaboration, planning, observation and scientific investigation.

PROGRAM OUTLINE

Part 1| Introduction to Mars exploration and the Mars Lab (45 minutes) Part 2| The mission (90 minutes) - TBD (Please book PART 2 by emailing book@maas.museum)

Part 1| Introduction to Mars exploration and the Mars Lab (45 minutes)

Via video conference, the Mars Lab team in Sydney will introduce your class to Mars exploration and the Mars Mission 5 activity. They will explain how the class will prepare for their Mars Mission.

Part 2| The mission (90 minutes)

The mission is the highlight of the session where mission teams get to drive the real robot rover and to play 5 different operational roles that will contribute to the successful completion of the mission. Students will use the rover to capture images of features and landforms associated with their clues for later analysis.

*For a more detailed outline of the program, please visit the Mars Lab website at: http://www.themarslab.org/unit/mars-mission-5/

In this exciting 2 PART virtual excursion workshop, your students get the unique opportunity to drive a robotic rover via a web browser from your classroom across the Mars Yard (a re-creation of the surface of Mars) located at the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney.

Led by the Mars Lab team via video conference, your students will explore the various landforms and features of the Martian surface to examine the history, geological evolution and potential evidence of past habitable environments on Mars. During the excursion your students will:

- Work collaboratively to plan their mission using a mapping application- Practice driving the rover using a virtual simulation- Work collaboratively to drive the rover to sites of interest on the Mars Yard- Take photographs of sites of interest using the rover's camera

The program focuses on collaboration, planning, observation and scientific investigation.

PROGRAM OUTLINE

Part 1| Introduction to Mars exploration and the Mars Lab (45 minutes) Part 2| The mission (90 minutes) - TBD (Please book PART 2 by emailing book@maas.museum)

Part 1| Introduction to Mars exploration and the Mars Lab (45 minutes)

Via video conference, the Mars Lab team in Sydney will introduce your class to Mars exploration and the Mars Mission 5 activity. They will explain how the class will prepare for their Mars Mission.

Part 2| The mission (90 minutes)

The mission is the highlight of the session where mission teams get to drive the real robot rover and to play 5 different operational roles that will contribute to the successful completion of the mission. Students will use the rover to capture images of features and landforms associated with their clues for later analysis.

*For a more detailed outline of the program, please visit the Mars Lab website at: http://www.themarslab.org/unit/mars-mission-5/

Have you heard about Mars One ��� the ambitious project that is under way to send the first humans to Mars? The plan is to send 4 people (2 women and 2 men) in 2024 ��� and it��s one way! They won��t be coming back. They will be Martians.

Some 200,000 people from all over the world applied for the chance to be one of the first humans on Mars. That number has been narrowed down to about 750, including some 25 Australians. Eventually the number will be reduced to a total of 24. These candidates will undergo many years of extensive training and eventually 4 will be chosen by a TV audience as part of a reality style TV show to be the first to go.

So, what kind of people are these Australians? What would you ask them if you had the chance? What makes them want to go to Mars and give up life on Earth? What about their families and friends? Why do they think they should be chosen? What training will they need? How will they survive and cope in the tiny habitation modules? What if something goes wrong? What characteristics would they look for in team-mates? How is all of this affecting their daily life now?

This video conference gives students the opportunity to meet and ask questions of a number of these ordinary (or, some might say, extraordinary) Australians who have made it to the second round of the Mars One selection process.

Students and teachers will have the opportunity to talk with Brett Rowling, an environmental scientist at the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO).

Brett monitors groundwater, mostly on contaminated sites. He uses data loggers to monitor groundwater levels in periods of low and high rainfall, and how the chemistry of this water changes over time.

Important information about the format of these sessions:- Our expert speakers do not give a prepared presentation. They simply answer the questions your students ask. No student questions results in a very boring videoconference!- Teachers are urged to ensure their students prepare interview-style questions after doing some preliminary research about the expert. We have compiled some suggested reading on our website (http://bit.ly/anstoelearning). - Our experts are competent communicators and can talk with both primary or secondary school students at an appropriate level.- Our expert speakers are booked for 3 hours to maximise opportunities for schools to find a time in their busy timetables to participate. After booking, we'll contact teachers by email to ask you to nominate a 20-30 minute time slot within this session to talk with the expert.- As a post-videoconference activity, we suggest teachers use this opportunity to ask their students to synthesise and present information gathered from their "interview" with the expert. This might be in the form of an interview transcript, a poster, newspaper article, or another form that best suits your learning programs.- NSW proficient-level teachers can claim 2 hours of BOSTES-registered professional development as part of this videoconference. More information here: http://bit.ly/anstoteacherPD

Students and teachers will have the opportunity to talk with Brett Rowling, an environmental chemist at the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO). This is an opportunity for Year 12 Chemistry students to outline the role and techniques used by an Australian chemist. More information and resources are available here: http://bitly.com/anstovc

Students and teachers will have the opportunity to talk with Helen Maynard-Casely, an instrument scientist in the Bragg Institute at the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO).

Helen uses neutron diffraction to study the crystal structure of small molecules. In particular, Helen is interested in how molecules and ices behave under pressure in conditions similar to those found inside planets.

Important information about the format of these sessions:- Our expert speakers do not give a prepared presentation. They simply answer the questions your students ask. No student questions results in a very boring videoconference!- Teachers are urged to ensure their students prepare interview-style questions after doing some preliminary research about the expert. We have compiled some suggested reading on our website (http://bit.ly/anstoelearning). - Our experts are competent communicators and can talk with both primary or secondary school students at an appropriate level.- Our expert speakers are booked for 3 hours to maximise opportunities for schools to find a time in their busy timetables to participate. After booking, we'll contact teachers by email to ask you to nominate a 20-30 minute time slot within this session to talk with the expert.- As a post-videoconference activity, we suggest teachers use this opportunity to ask their students to synthesise and present information gathered from their "interview" with the expert. This might be in the form of an interview transcript, a poster, newspaper article, or another form that best suits your learning programs.- NSW proficient-level teachers can claim 2 hours of BOSTES-registered professional development as part of this videoconference. More information here: http://bit.ly/anstoteacherPD

Students and teachers will have the opportunity to talk with Henk Heijnis, an environmental scientist at the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO).

Henk measures natural radioactive signatures in the environment to study the human impacts on ecosystems over the last 8000 years. His research assists current ecosystem preservation and conservation efforts, and sustainable water and land use management.

Important information about the format of these sessions:- Our expert speakers do not give a prepared presentation. They simply answer the questions your students ask. No student questions results in a very boring videoconference!- Teachers are urged to ensure their students prepare interview-style questions after doing some preliminary research about the expert. We have compiled some suggested reading on our website (http://bit.ly/anstoelearning). - Our experts are competent communicators and can talk with both primary or secondary school students at an appropriate level.- Our expert speakers are booked for 3 hours to maximise opportunities for schools to find a time in their busy timetables to participate. After booking, we'll contact teachers by email to ask you to nominate a 20-30 minute time slot within this session to talk with the expert.- As a post-videoconference activity, we suggest teachers use this opportunity to ask their students to synthesise and present information gathered from their "interview" with the expert. This might be in the form of an interview transcript, a poster, newspaper article, or another form that best suits your learning programs.- NSW proficient-level teachers can claim 2 hours of BOSTES-registered professional development as part of this videoconference. More information here: http://bit.ly/anstoteacherPD

Students and teachers will have the opportunity to talk with Ivan Siladji, Quality Assurance Manager at the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO).

Ivan ensures the production quality and authorises the just-in-time release of nuclear medicines to hospitals across Australia. ANSTO's radiopharmaceuticals are used to diagnose and treat disease in up to 10,000 Australians every week.

Important information about the format of these sessions:- Our expert speakers do not give a prepared presentation. They simply answer the questions your students ask. No student questions results in a very boring videoconference!- Teachers are urged to ensure their students prepare interview-style questions after doing some preliminary research about the expert. We have compiled some suggested reading on our website (http://bit.ly/anstoelearning). - Our experts are competent communicators and can talk with both primary or secondary school students at an appropriate level.- Our expert speakers are booked for 3 hours to maximise opportunities for schools to find a time in their busy timetables to participate. After booking, we'll contact teachers by email to ask you to nominate a 20-30 minute time slot within this session to talk with the expert.- As a post-videoconference activity, we suggest teachers use this opportunity to ask their students to synthesise and present information gathered from their "interview" with the expert. This might be in the form of an interview transcript, a poster, newspaper article, or another form that best suits your learning programs.- NSW proficient-level teachers can claim 2 hours of BOSTES-registered professional development as part of this videoconference. More information here: http://bit.ly/anstoteacherPD

Students and teachers will have the opportunity to talk with James Hardiman, a Waste Operations Engineer at the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO).

James and his team manages the radioactive wastes that are generated at ANSTO each and every day. These waste products have been generated during complex research and the production of important nuclear medicines.

Important information about the format of these sessions:- Our expert speakers do not give a prepared presentation. They simply answer the questions your students ask. No student questions results in a very boring videoconference!- Teachers are urged to ensure their students prepare interview-style questions after doing some preliminary research about the expert. We have compiled some suggested reading on our website. Our experts are competent communicators and can talk with both primary or secondary school students at an appropriate level.- Our expert speakers are booked for 3 hours to maximise opportunities for schools to find a time in their busy timetables to participate. After booking, we'll contact teachers by email to ask you to nominate a 20-30 minute time slot within this session to talk with the expert.- As a post-videoconference activity, we suggest teachers use this opportunity to ask their students to synthesise and present information gathered from their "interview" with the expert. This might be in the form of an interview transcript, a poster, newspaper article, or another form that best suits your learning programs.

Students and teachers will have the opportunity to talk with Karina Meredith, an environmental scientist at the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO).

Karina uses nuclear science to investigate groundwater supplies so that we can use them wisely and sustainably. In many places across Australia, groundwater is an essential source of water for residential, industrial and agricultural purposes.

Important information about the format of these sessions:- Our expert speakers do not give a prepared presentation. They simply answer the questions your students ask. No student questions results in a very boring videoconference!- Teachers are urged to ensure their students prepare interview-style questions after doing some preliminary research about the expert. We have compiled some suggested reading on our website (http://bit.ly/anstoelearning). - Our experts are competent communicators and can talk with both primary or secondary school students at an appropriate level.- Our expert speakers are booked for 3 hours to maximise opportunities for schools to find a time in their busy timetables to participate. After booking, we'll contact teachers by email to ask you to nominate a 20-30 minute time slot within this session to talk with the expert.- As a post-videoconference activity, we suggest teachers use this opportunity to ask their students to synthesise and present information gathered from their "interview" with the expert. This might be in the form of an interview transcript, a poster, newspaper article, or another form that best suits your learning programs.- NSW proficient-level teachers can claim 2 hours of BOSTES-registered professional development as part of this videoconference. More information here: http://bit.ly/anstoteacherPD

Students and teachers will have the opportunity to talk with Kate Brandis, a Joint Research Fellow at UNSW and at ANSTO. Kate uses nuclear techniques to track the movements of wetland birds across Australia, and as part of her citizen science project, you can collect feathers from wetland areas to help Kate and her collaborators create a Feathermap of Australia.

Important information about the format of these sessions:- Our expert speakers do not give a prepared presentation. They simply answer the questions your students ask. No student questions results in a very boring videoconference!- Teachers are urged to ensure their students prepare interview-style questions after doing some preliminary research about the expert. We have compiled some suggested reading on our website (www.ansto.gov.au/elearning). - Our experts are competent communicators and can talk with both primary or secondary school students at an appropriate level.- Our expert speakers are booked for 3 hours to maximise opportunities for schools to find a time in their busy timetables to participate. After booking, we'll contact teachers by email to ask you to nominate a 20-30 minute time slot within this session to talk with the expert.- As a post-videoconference activity, we suggest teachers use this opportunity to ask their students to synthesise and present information gathered from their "interview" with the expert. This might be in the form of an interview transcript, a poster, newspaper article, or another form that best suits your learning programs.- NSW proficient-level teachers can claim 2 hours of BOSTES-registered professional development as part of this videoconference. More information here: http://bit.ly/anstoteacherPD

Students and teachers will have the opportunity to talk with Kirrily Rule, an instrument scientist in the Bragg Institute at the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO).

Kirrily uses neutron diffraction to study magnetic materials and superconductors. We may be using these materials in the future for the next generation of electronics, data storage and transport.

Important information about the format of these sessions:- Our expert speakers do not give a prepared presentation. They simply answer the questions your students ask. No student questions results in a very boring videoconference!- Teachers are urged to ensure their students prepare interview-style questions after doing some preliminary research about the expert. We have compiled some suggested reading on our website (http://bit.ly/anstoelearning). - Our experts are competent communicators and can talk with both primary or secondary school students at an appropriate level.- Our expert speakers are booked for 3 hours to maximise opportunities for schools to find a time in their busy timetables to participate. After booking, we'll contact teachers by email to ask you to nominate a 20-30 minute time slot within this session to talk with the expert.- As a post-videoconference activity, we suggest teachers use this opportunity to ask their students to synthesise and present information gathered from their "interview" with the expert. This might be in the form of an interview transcript, a poster, newspaper article, or another form that best suits your learning programs.- NSW proficient-level teachers can claim 2 hours of BOSTES-registered professional development as part of this videoconference. More information here: http://bit.ly/anstoteacherPD

Students and teachers will have the opportunity to talk with Tom Cresswell, an environmental scientist at the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO).

Tom uses nuclear science to investigate how contaminants from mining sites make their way into organisms and food chains in aquatic environments.

Important information about the format of these sessions:- Our expert speakers do not give a prepared presentation. They simply answer the questions your students ask. No student questions results in a very boring videoconference!- Teachers are urged to ensure their students prepare interview-style questions after doing some preliminary research about the expert. We have compiled some suggested reading on our website (http://bit.ly/anstoelearning). - Our experts are competent communicators and can talk with both primary or secondary school students at an appropriate level.- Our expert speakers are booked for 3 hours to maximise opportunities for schools to find a time in their busy timetables to participate. After booking, we'll contact teachers by email to ask you to nominate a 20-30 minute time slot within this session to talk with the expert.- As a post-videoconference activity, we suggest teachers use this opportunity to ask their students to synthesise and present information gathered from their "interview" with the expert. This might be in the form of an interview transcript, a poster, newspaper article, or another form that best suits your learning programs.- NSW proficient-level teachers can claim 2 hours of BOSTES-registered professional development as part of this videoconference. More information here: http://bit.ly/anstoteacherPD

Students and teachers will have the opportunity to talk with Tom Cresswell, an environmental scientist at the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO).

Tom uses nuclear science to investigate how contaminants from mining sites make their way into organisms and food chains in aquatic environments.

Important information about the format of these sessions:- Our expert speakers do not give a prepared presentation. They simply answer the questions your students ask. No student questions results in a very boring videoconference!- Teachers are urged to ensure their students prepare interview-style questions after doing some preliminary research about the expert. We have compiled some suggested reading on our website. Our experts are competent communicators and can talk with both primary or secondary school students at an appropriate level.- Our expert speakers are booked for 3 hours to maximise opportunities for schools to find a time in their busy timetables to participate. After booking, we'll contact teachers by email to ask you to nominate a 20-30 minute time slot within this session to talk with the expert.- As a post-videoconference activity, we suggest teachers use this opportunity to ask their students to synthesise and present information gathered from their "interview" with the expert. This might be in the form of an interview transcript, a poster, newspaper article, or another form that best suits your learning programs.

The ���visit��, hosted by the Australian Museum, will enable students (K ��� 6) to meet Jessica Fox and�� hear about her experience as an elite athlete competing in Canoe Slalom at the Olympic Games and World Championships�� watch a short video of her competing (couple of minutes)�� participate in some exercises with her to try out her canoe slalom moves�� ask her some questions.

Dr Hayes will be providing an overview of Mindfulness and how it can be incorporated into daily life and activity to enhance the wellbeing of staff and students. The session will designed to suit a staff meeting format.

Christine Burke is an expert in the field of Mindfulness programs and will be providing an overview of Mindfulness research and current practice including what programs are out there and what good practice might look like. The session will enable Q and A and provide schools with an op[opportunity to clarify their thinking on the best way forward with mindfulness for their school.

Christine Burke is an expert in the field of Mindfulness programs and will be providing an overview of Mindfulness research and current practice including what programs are out there and what good practice might look like. The session will enable Q and A and provide schools with an op[opportunity to clarify their thinking on the best way forward with mindfulness for their school.

Minibeast Magnified explores the exciting and diverse world of invertebrates. Students will learn how to identify common groups of invertebrates and why they are important. Minibeast Magnified brings the world of invertebrates to your students, engaging them in real science in local environments. The workshop is designed to provide information and skills that will enable you and your students to conduct an invertebrate survey in your school.

The Multicultural Perspectives Public Speaking Competition will showcase NSW Department of Education Primary students speaking about topics which contain a multicultural content.The finalists will deliver a prepared speech with a multicultural content and then an Impromptu speech on a topic provided by the adjudicator on the day.Students will be able to watch the talented students present their speeches and hear and see the qualities that make a good speech. They will also learn about how adjudicators judge speeches and will be able to ask the adjudicator questions at the end of the session.

"To know the future we must first know the past" (Aunty Fran Bodkin D'harawal Elder). In this session of our Koori Classroom series, D'harawal knowledge keeper, Shannon Foster will guide students through the origins of NAIDOC - also part of her own family story. How did the 1938 petition lead to today's NAIDOC? Why do most Australians learn European Australian History but nothing about Australian Aboriginal History? Many well known personalities (eg. sports players) are indigenous but do we know who they are? This Video Conference explores how attitudes are changing with the times and why all students need an understanding of our rich, unique and awe-inspiring Aboriginal history and culture. Shannon will also share aspects of Aboriginal culture and language with the students to gain insights into Aboriginal life. There will be opportunities for each class to ask questions of Shannon.

To recognise NAIDOC Week the Australian Museum is participating in Virtual Excursions Australia NAIDOC Week video conferencing festival. In this special NAIDOC week art workshop students will explore Indigenous culture and art from various regions of Australia. In this lesson students will create their own Australian Flag by investigating their cultural heritage as well as that of Australia's first inhabitants, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

To recognise NAIDOC Week the Australian Museum is participating in Virtual Excursions Australia NAIDOC Week video conferencing festival. In this special NAIDOC week art workshop students will explore Indigenous culture and art from various regions of Australia. In this lesson students will create their own Australian Flag by investigating their cultural heritage as well as that of Australia's first inhabitants, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The Indigenous Totems session is a practical workshop where students learn about lifestyles and beliefs of Indigenous Australians whilst creating their own totem. Concepts and culture will be demonstrated with real artifacts and aboriginal cultural material. This workshop was developed by Indigenous educators at the Australian Museum.

The Indigenous Totems session is a practical workshop where students learn about lifestyles and beliefs of Indigenous Australians whilst creating their own totem. Concepts and culture will be demonstrated with real artifacts and aboriginal cultural material. This workshop was developed by Indigenous educators at the Australian Museum.

To celebrate NAIDOC week Indigenous Programs Manager Donna Carstens will discuss the cultural significance of water to indigenous people. Water is integral to the everyday life of communities for survival, travel and play. Listen to a Dreaming story, examine an Indigenous artwork and build a canoe replica.

To celebrate NAIDOC week Indigenous Programs Manager Donna Carstens and special guest Uncle Terry will discuss the cultural significance of water to indigenous people. Water is integral to the everyday life of communities for survival, travel and play. Learn a traditional dance, examine an Indigenous artwork and build a canoe replica.

Join the expeditioners at Casey station for National Science Week. Explore the schools Science Week theme of “Making waves – the science of light” from an Antarctic perspective. In this International Year of Light, take a look at how light affects life in Antarctica, for the human and other inhabitants.After bookings close, all participating classes will be emailed with some preparatory work to complete. Classes will also be asked to submit a question they’d like to ask during the videoconference.

I am the last of my kind. This I know.Once, we roamed the land. We owned the land. We called it Home.My story matters. I am the last living female Tasmanian tiger.

7 September 2016 is National Threatened Species Day and commemorates the 80th anniversary of the death of the last known (captive) thylacine.

Stripes in the Forest by award-winning author, Aleesah Darlison, is a poignant and emotive story of an iconic species lost. Told from the perspective of the last wild, female Tasmanian tiger, it provides readers with an insight into the rare beauty and uniqueness of these amazing animals, explains their fight for survival and provides important lessons for future generations.

Join author, Aleesah Darlison, and Australian Museum Outreach Manager, Karen Player, as they take you on a journey of discovery and discussion about the thylacine and other endangered Australian species. What was the thylacine really like? What artefacts remain of its existence? And do thylacines still roam the Tasmanian wilderness today? Includes a multi-media PowerPoint presentation, museum displays, book reading, discussion and question time.

Stripes in the Forest is a stunning book that contains many layers of storytelling and will generate rich discussion and raise important questions for young minds.

Through a shared reading of the text, Tanglewood students will explore and observe aspects of nature as described and depicted by the author and illustrator. In preparation for the VC students will be asked to observe and collect some natural and man-made specimens from the school grounds. They will work with an artist, Ken Tucker who will demonstrate a number of artistic techniques. The students will create their own works of art and share these with students from other schools at the conclusion of the VC.

This excursion is for the students involved in the Ngunggilanha Program.This excursion will provide a unique opportunity for students to develop an understanding of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander collection of works held at The Art Gallery of NSW. It introduces students to the idea of curatorial practice and allows students to examine and discuss works by two of the artists they have been studying as part of the Ngunggilanha program. Students will meet Cara Pinchbeck, Curator of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander collection and artist Jonathan Jones. Students will hear directly from Cara and Jonathan and have the opportunity to discuss the artworks they have been studying.

Lead by a trained teacher and featuring an NRL Ambassador, join us live from Rugby League Central to help encourage students to Tackle Bullying. Students will learn positive ways to respond to bullying where both victims and bystanders will feel empowered to act.

Join the NRL's One Community as we promote the importance of leading a holistically healthy life.Lead by a trained teacher and featuring an NRL Ambassador, students will engage with the importance of a balanced lifestyle of good nutrition, physical activity and mental wellness. They will also learn how these three components of a healthy life can affect the other if one is out of balance.

Join NRL Community as we promote the importance of leading a holistically healthy life.Lead by a trained teacher and featuring an NRL Ambassador, students will engage with the importance of a balanced lifestyle of good nutrition, physical activity and mental wellness. They will also learn how these three components of a healthy life can affect the other if one is out of balance.

The NSW Premier's Reading Challenge Dymocks Children's Charites are pleased to present author Claire Zorn.Claire will discuss how she develops mood through setting, pacing and word choice, and use a range of images to talk about creating atmosphere in a story. She will explain strategies to convey how a character is feeling without just ‘telling’ the reader. Claire will discuss her two books on the Premier’s Reading Challenge booklists: The protected and The sky so heavy.

The NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge and Dymocks Children’s Charities are pleased to present author David Metzenthen and illustrator Michael Camilleri discussing the creation of ‘One Minute's Silence’. This powerful and moving story about the meaning of Remembrance Day, drawing on the ANZAC and Turkish battle at Gallipoli is shortlisted for the Children’s Book Council of Australia 2015 picture book of the year.

David and Michael will talk about finding good ideas for a story; researching, reading and talking to people who have real insight, work-shopping ideas at the right time; and relying on one’s self to make a story as good as it can be.

Students in Years 5-9 will have the opportunity to pose questions to David and Michael. Please submit your questions to laurel.baptist@det.nsw.edu.au by Thursday 28 May, 2015. A reply email will be sent confirming selection.

You can find ‘One Minute’s Silence’ on the PRC booklist https://online.det.nsw.edu.au/prc/booklist/home.html

NSW Premier's Reading Challenge, Dymocks Children's Charities, Authors Online Series presents Bronwyn Bancroft. Bronwyn is a leading Indigenous artist, illustrator and art administrator whose work is held at the National Gallery of Australia, the Art Gallery of New South Wales and the Australian Museum. Bronwyn has illustrated several award-winning books for children.Bronwyn will discuss how picture books are made, and how characters are formed. Students will learn how to make decisions about what and how to illustrate from their own writing, considering audience and purpose. Students will also have the opportunity to pose questions directly to Bronwyn.

The NSW Premier's Reading Challenge, Dymocks Children's Charities Authors Online series proudly presents Christopher Richardson.In addition to writing for young people, Christopher describes himself as inhabiting "a mysterious world, where children's culture and international politics colide".Christopher's debut novel, 'Empire of the Waves' is described as an "action-packed and engaging fantasy series".He recently completed his PhD, which looked at the children's culture of North Korea, and has published and taught extensively.Christopher will engage with students about writing for young people and making fantasy 'real'. Students will have the opportunity to ask Christopher questions about his writing, travels, teaching and research.

Jacqueline will speak about both series and her most recent books in each - Alice-Miranda to the Rescue and Clementine Rose and the Special Promise. Students will explore how Jacqueline uses numerous writing techniques and how the use of visual imagery, poetic language and descriptive passages set the scene of Alice-Miranda’s world and evoke a rich, detailed landscape. How the use of repetition in various characters’ language and the way characters are described create memorable profiles and deliver consistency across the series.

Sally is the author of many books for children, including the very popular Billy B Mystery and Hey Jack! series. Sally will share her insights into crafting her books describing her creative process, where she gets her inspiration from, how she develops mood through setting and creates interesting plots and characters - live from Melbourne.

(i)illustrate how knowledge and understanding of animals�� physical and behavioural characteristics can assist in the management of a particular animal species

(ii)discuss the factors that should be considered when carrying out a particular husbandry practice to reduce the negative welfare impacts to the animal such as the use of appropriate equipment, skill of the operator, timing of the animal practice, management of the animals after completion of practice

(iii)discuss one ethical issue relevant to an animal production system

All is not right on the world wide web! The news is out that there has been a series of pirate attacks at a virtual excursion near you! Join the Australian National Maritime Museum��s Pirates from Cyberspace Attack! Your senses will be raided by all types of skulduggery and all things piratical.Topics for new apprentice pirates:�� Earn and personalise a pirate licence with your new pirate identity�� Fashion tips for well-dressed pirates�� Count your loot�� Dance to a pirate sea shanty�� Pirate Q & A and much more

All is not right on the world wide web! The news is out that there has been a series of pirate attacks at a virtual excursion near you! Join the Australian National Maritime Museum��s Pirates from Cyberspace Attack! Your senses will be raided by all types of skulduggery and all things piratical.Topics for new apprentice pirates:�� Earn and personalise a pirate licence with your new pirate identity�� Fashion tips for well-dressed pirates�� Count your loot�� Dance to a pirate sea shanty�� Pirate Q & A and much more

All is not right on the world wide web! The news is out that there has been a series of pirate attacks at a virtual excursion near you! Join the Australian National Maritime Museum��s Pirates from Cyberspace Attack! Your senses will be raided by all types of skulduggery and all things piratical.Topics for new apprentice pirates:�� Earn and personalise a pirate licence with your new pirate identity�� Fashion tips for well-dressed pirates�� Count your loot�� Dance to a pirate sea shanty�� Pirate Q & A and much more

All is not right on the world wide web! The news is out that there has been a series of pirate attacks at a virtual excursion near you! Join the Australian National Maritime Museum��s Pirates from Cyberspace Attack! Your senses will be raided by all types of skulduggery and all things piratical.Topics for new apprentice pirates:�� Earn and personalise a pirate licence with your new pirate identity�� Fashion tips for well-dressed pirates�� Count your loot�� Dance to a pirate sea shanty�� Pirate Q & A and much more

The plain English speaking award final will showcase senior secondary level students discussing issues of contemporary significance. The finalists will deliver a Prepared Speech on a topic of their own choice and an Impromptu Speech on a topic provided by an adjudicator.

Students will learn about how adjudicators judge speeches and will have a chance to have a go themselves before asking questions about the decisions made during the final.

Dial in- 9:15amBreak time- 10:40-11:00amEnd time: 12:00pm

To see a list of the finalists names and their schools please visit the arts unit website. http://artsunit.nsw.edu.au/speaking-competitions/public-speaking/plain-english-speaking-award

This curriculum-linked workshop will provide a unique opportunity for students to develop their ability to understand what makes a good speech. It will also enhance their ability to deliver considered opinions on an issue that concerns them and to respond in a short period of time to a broad topic in a meaningful fashion.

This workshop addresses the following curriculum outcomes:

5.1 Express considered points of view in rehearsed and impromptu speeches8.2 Expressing complex ideas for a range of audiences9.2 Using individual processes to generate, clarify, organise, refine and present ideas

The premier's debating challenge year 11 and 12 final will showcase NSW DEC senior secondary debating teams discussing issues of contemporary significance. The competition will be held in The Great Hall of Sydney University and will take the form of a one hour debate with both sides having a choice from three topics. The activity enhances the ability of students to respond in a short period of time to a set topic in a meaningful fashion and to work as part of a team arguing either an Affirmative or Negative case. Students will learn about how adjudicators judge the debates and they will have a chance to ask questions directly of the adjudicators based on the debating adjudication form provided to them. During the debate through Edmodo, they will also have the opportunity to post their opinions and thoughts of the debate.Dial in: 11:15am Break time: 12:30 - 12:45pm End time: 1:15pm This curriculum-linked workshop will provide a unique opportunity for students to develop their ability to understand what makes a strong debate. They will hear directly from adjudicators as to how the outcomes of debates are decided and will have the chance to learn from highly accomplished debating teams who work well as part of a team arguing either an Affirmative or Negative case.This workshop addresses the following curriculum outcomes from Preliminary English: 8.2 Expressing complex ideas for a range of audiences 9.2 Using individual processes to generate, clarify, organise, refine and present ideas.

The Premier's Debating Challenge year 9 and 10 final will showcase NSW DEC debating teams discussing issues of contemporary significance. The competition will be held in the William Wilkins Gallery and will take the form of a one hour debate with both sides having a choice of three topics. The activity enhances the ability of students to respond in a short period of time to a set topic in a meaningful fashion and to work as part of a team arguing either an Affirmative or Negative case.

Students will learn about how adjudicators judge the debates and they will have a chance to ask questions directly of the adjudicators based on the debating adjudication form provided to them. Students will also be able to participate in online discussions during the debate by logging into our Edmodo group.

Dial in- 11:15amBreak time- 12:30-12:40pmEnd time: 1:15pm

This curriculum-linked workshop will provide a unique opportunity for students to develop their ability to understand what makes a strong debate. They will hear directly from adjudicators as to how the outcomes of debates are decided and will have the chance to learn from highly accomplished debating teams who work well as part of a team arguing either an Affirmative or Negative case.

Find out how your primary classroom can be transformed into an interactive science environment without breaking the bank. Learn how to use easily obtainable materials from the local shops to run hands-on experiments that cover chemistry, forces, light and sound.

During this session you will run a number of simple experiments in your location. Time for questions will be provided throughout the session, as well as an opportunity to discuss demonstrations after the conference. For new scheme teachers maintaining accreditation at the level of professional competence, this activity could be used as part of your TIPD (Teacher Identified Professional Development.). Schedule this as part of your staff meeting!

The session is presented by Ben Newsome, a recipient of a 2013 Churchill Fellowship on best practice in science education via video conference, 2015 Australian Small Business Champion for Education Services, co-founder of Virtual Excursions Australia and is on the ISTE Video Conferencing Network Leadership Team.

All year Taronga Zoo are featuring reptiles to help celebrate the Chinese Year of the Snake. Friday 26th July is Schools Tree Planting Day and Taronga Zoo invite you to join us in this fascinating video conference to how to plant trees and why trees are so important for Australia's amazing reptiles.

This interactive workshop features live reptiles such as snakes, lizards, turtles and crocodiles. Students will learn about reptile characteristics, their predators and prey, special features for survival, and their role in maintaining biodiversity. Students will also have a chance to discuss the role humans play in protecting reptiles and create an essential reptile habitat.This video conference will include a demonstration on how to correctly plant young trees.

WELCOME TO COMPOST WEEK. Compost happens! Rotten Science is about us understanding what is happening in compost heaps, and worm farms and how to improve the rate of rot. A bit of theory, add a healthy dose of living diversity, play a round of compost gin and if time permits a quiz playoff between participating classes. Share what is happening at your school. Maybe pick up something to help get your Rotten Science humming better.

Read with a Rugby League player live from NRL Central!Join us as we celebrate the value of the skill of reading using This video conference is based on the highly reputable Rugby League Reads resources. An NRL Ambassador and a trained teacher will deliver key messages about reading as a crucial life skill but also for pleasure. Rugby League based texts are read and students are facilitated through comprehension activities that link to the Literacy Continuum clusters. Students will have the opportunity to ask an NRL Ambassador some questions about the reading they do in everyday life and also about their career as an NRL footballer.

Join us as we celebrate the value of the skill of reading using This video conference is based on the highly reputable Rugby League Reads resources.

An NRL Ambassador and a trained teacher will deliver key messages about reading as a crucial life skill but also for pleasure. Rugby League based texts are read and students are facilitated through comprehension activities that link to the Literacy Continuum clusters. Students will have the opportunity to ask an NRL Ambassador some questions about the reading they do in everyday life and also about their career as an NRL footballer.

In this interactive, hands-on workshop, students from explore reconciliation and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander issues through artistic mediums. Lead by an experienced Aboriginal artist, students investigate how to use art as an effective avenue through which to Say Something! This practical workshop will assist students to participate in the NSW Reconciliation Council��s Schools Reconciliation Challenge.

To celebrate National Science Week the Australian Museum is participating in Virtual Excursions Australia SciFest video conferencing festival. The Geology Rocks video conference will look at the dynamic earth forming processes.

Students will learn about the layering of lava flows, see if rocks float and learn how to make a gas and find out about the rock cycle. You will also see real specimens and there will be opportunities to ask questions.

TIM JARVIS AM Shackleton Epic Expedition Leader is one of the world's leading explorers and possesses an extraordinary adventure and leadership resume. He is also a best-selling author, film-maker and public speaker. Intrepid explorer Tim Jarvis has recently returned from Antarctica where he retraced Sir Ernest Shackleton��s legendary 1916 voyage of survival and crossing of South Georgia��s mountainous interior. He will be presenting two exclusive talks for schools here at the Australian National Maritime Museum on Thursday 13 August at 10.00am and 2.00pm.

Light and sound are produced by a range of sources and can be sensed (ACSSU020)Light from a source forms shadows and can be absorbed, reflected and refracted (ACSSU080)

NSW Science Syllabus Outcomes:A student:

- describes some sources of light and sound that they sense in their daily lives (ST1-6PW) - uses scientific knowledge about the transfer of light to solve problems that directly affect people’s lives (ST3-7PW)

Scratch is a visual program language, which makes it easy to create and share interactive stories, games, animations and presentations. A project of the Lifelong Kindergarten Group at the MIT Media Lab, Scratch is a great way to introduce young people to the key concepts and processes of programming. 21st century skills are becoming increasingly important, and coding is at the top of the list.

This Video Conference will be run as a virtual computer lab, where our educator will facilitate a number of activities where learners will develop their coding, numeracy, literacy, programming and digital production skills.

IMPORTANT:Participants will need access to computers (supported MAC or PC) and to the SCRATCH program (accessible here: https://scratch.mit.edu/) for this workshop.

Experience this years Sculpture by the Sea, the worlds largest outdoor exhibition of sculpture. Engage with some of the artworks and discover how different sculpture can be. Discuss the artworks you see with our presenter. What are the sculptures about? What materials are they made of? Meet an exhibiting artist who makes his work by skate boarding and painting! See him in action and ask him questions about his art practice. When did Sculpture by the Sea start? Why? Can anyone enter their sculpture into the exhibition? What do you need to think about when making a work of art that will be exhibited outside near the sea for the public to experience?

Sculpture by the Sea is an annual series of free to the public outdoor sculpture exhibitions held at Bondi in Sydney and Cottesloe beach in Perth. Sculpture by the Sea returns to the Bondi Beach to Tamarama Beach coastal walk from the 23 October to 9 November, 2014.

See the spectacular Bondi to Tamarama coastal walk transformed into a 2km long temporary sculpture park featuring over 100 sculptures by artists from Australia and across the world. This exhibition has become a major feature on the Australian cultural calendar, attracting participating artists from around the world.

22 October - 8 November 2015¬Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi is the largest free to the public outdoor sculpture exhibition in the world! It has become a major feature on the Australian cultural calendar, attracting participating artists from around the world.

Now in its nineteenth year the spectacular Bondi to Tamarama coastal walk is transformed into a 2km long temporary sculpture park featuring over 100 sculptures by artists from Australia and across the world.

On Tuesday 3 November Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi with DART Connections, NSW Distance Learning invite you to visit this year’s Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi exhibition and meet one of the exhibiting artists.

Exhibition Tour Sculpture by the Sea Educator, Rachael, will introduce you to some very different types of sculpture in the exhibition area at Marks Park. She will love to hear your questions and responses.She will discuss questions like: • What materials and techniques are used to make sculpture? • How do artists use sculpture to express an idea?• What are the differences between making art for a gallery compared to outside?

Meet exhibiting artist Marina Debris and see some of her ‘Trashion’ …

“Every day for the past fifteen years I have been collecting trash from the beach. At first this was simply an effort to help clean up but just over five years ago I was inspired to make objects of art with it. After touring and working with the group 5 Gyres and Captain Charles Moore (who discovered the “Great Pacific Garbage Patch”), I realised that art was a great vehicle to educate people about where our waste is going. Many of the artworks I have created are wearable art. I have over twenty outfits (all made from trash)”.

20 October - 6 November 2016Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi is the largest free to the public outdoor sculpture exhibition in the world! It has become a major feature on the Australian cultural calendar, attracting participating artists from around the world.

This year Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi celebrates its 20th exhibition! Once again the Bondi to Tamarama coastal walk is transformed into a 2km long temporary sculpture park featuring over 100 sculptures by artists from Australia and across the world.

On Wednesday 2 November Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi with DART Connections, NSW Distance Learning invite you to visit this year’s exhibition and meet one of the exhibiting artists.

We will offer you and your students a mini Focus Tour. Sculpture by the Sea Educator, Deanna, will introduce you to different types of sculpture in the exhibition area at Marks Park.

She will discuss questions like: • what is sculpture?• what materials and techniques do artists use to make sculpture? • how do artists use sculpture to express an idea?• what are the differences between making art for a gallery compared to outside?She will love to hear student’s responses and ideas.During the tour you will meet exhibiting artist Mikaela Castledine. She will show you her work called Big Intentions which is inspired by her visit to Myanmar and seeing the famous stupas. The technique she uses to make her sculpture is crochet. Students are encouraged to talk with the Artist and ask as many difficult questions as possible!

“Myanmar (which used to be called Burma) is a Buddhist country famous for its beautiful stupas. Stupas are dome shaped temples or pagodas but usually they are solid so you can’t go inside them. So what are they for? When I travelled to Myanmar I discovered that the reason you might build a stupa is to gain merit, which is like doing something nice for someone so they know you are a good person. If you are building a stupa then you have to do it with the right intention, which means you have to be doing it for good reasons and not for bad ones, For instance if you were building a stupa to trick someone into thinking you were a good person then that is not a good intention.”

Education Resources are available to download from the Sculpture by the Sea website: http://sculpturebythesea.com/bondi/education/education-resources/

To celebrate Sea Week the Australian Museum is participating in the Sea Week video conferencing festival.The Claws, Tentacles and Spines session explores the fascinating diversity of marine invertebrates. Join us to discover some of the amazing adaptations of these spineless wonders.

Australian Museum is bringing our scientists to you! Meet the Experts aims to provide quality science education and research resources. This is your chance to come face to face with an Australian Museum scientist and ask your questions.Let the Australian Museum come to you.

Lauren Hughes works at the Australian Museum in the Marine Invertebrates collection.

To recognise Sea Week the Australian Museum is participating in Virtual Excursions Australia video conferencing festival. This video conference provides a glimpse behind the scenes of Australia's oldest natural history Museum. Become a detective and discover how scientists collect, preserve and display the many extraordinary specimens in their collection.

Explore the Australian Museum specimens to investigate how they were discovered and why they are important.

Bring your students face-to-face with the iconic Sydney Opera House in this live, interactive digital excursion. Our roaming tour of ���The House�� will bring to life the history and architecture of this significant Australian place and explore how it has become synonymous with Australia��s cultural identity.

Presented by one of our expert tour guides, students will discover fascinating historical and scientific facts, learn about the Indigenous history of Bennelong Point, and gain exclusive behind-the-scenes access to this incredible performing arts venue. Students will be provided with opportunities for interactive learning during this excursion, with plenty of time for questions and discussion with the presenter

Bring your students face-to-face with the iconic Sydney Opera House in this live, interactive digital excursion. Our roaming tour of ���The House�� will bring to life the history and architecture of this significant Australian place and explore how it has become synonymous with Australia��s cultural identity.

Presented by one of our expert tour guides, students will discover fascinating historical and scientific facts, learn about the Indigenous history of Bennelong Point, and gain exclusive behind-the-scenes access to this incredible performing arts venue. Students will be provided with opportunities for interactive learning during this excursion, with plenty of time for questions and discussion with the presenter

Bring your students face-to-face with the iconic Sydney Opera House in this live, interactive Digital Excursion. Our roaming tour of 'The House' will bring to life the history and architecture of this significant Australian place and explore how it has become synonymous with Australia's cultural identity.

Presented by one of our expert tour guides, students will discover fascinating historical and scientific facts, learn about the Indigenous history of Bennelong Point, and gain exclusive behind-the-scenes access to this incredible performing arts venue. Students will be provided with opportunities for interactive learning during this excursion, with time for questions and discussion with the presenter.

Join the Sleek Geeks and our 2015 finalists to view the winning films and hear from the students themselves about how they developed and produced their films. This event will showcase some fascinating science, provide an insight into science communication and the insider tips might just help your students excel in next year's competition. You and your students will also be able to tweet any questions you have for the winning students or Dr Karl and Adam Spencer through to @SLEEKGEEKS.The University of Sydney and the Sleek Geeks are looking forward to sharing this experience with you!

Professor Pufferfish takes students on an inside look at pollution in our waterways. Students are introduced to the concept of a marine environment, the importance of waterways in our lives and the Junksons family. We all have a role to play in the future sustainability of marine environments. Practical demonstrations, discussions and a final 'impact statement' from affected wildlife add some lively action that students will enjoy.

See the sky through the eyes of an astrophysicist as they reveal the secrets of how discoveries are made about the Solar System, stars and galaxies. This session covers Science as a Human Endeavour and Science Understanding content from the Australian Curriculum Science: ‘Predicable phenomena on earth, including seasons and eclipses, are caused by the relative positions of the sun, Earth and the moon’ (ACSSU115).

Join the NRL’s One Community teacher and a Souths Cares Ambassador as they encourage your students to Dream, Believe and Achieve. In this goals and aspirations interactive conference, students will learn about the importance of having a dream, strategies for setting goals and ways to overcome setbacks and be more resilient.

Souths Cares has been delivering its Indigenous Oral Health Program since 2012 and due to it's success, it now forms part of the State Government’s NSW Aboriginal Health Plan.

More than 5 000 students (Indigenous and non-Indigenous) from across NSW have already participated in the program, which focuses on good oral health and hygiene and a recent collaboration with the NRL has seen this face to face program evolve into a dynamic and interactive video conference.

Delivered by Souths Cares Ambassadors and a qualified teacher from the NRL, the video conference is offered in partnership with NSW Centre for Oral Health Strategy, Colgate and the University of Sydney’s Poche Centre for Indigenous Health.

Delivered by Souths Cares Ambassadors and a qualified teacher from the NRL, join us live from Rugby League Central to help encourage students to Tackle Bullying. Students will learn positive ways to respond to bullying where both victims and bystanders will feel empowered to act.

Einstein’s theory of Special Relativity accurately describes objects moving close to the speed of light. While mathematically elegant, Special Relativity explains situations that are extremely counterintuitive to our everyday experience. A curriculum-focused Physics lecture based on content from the New South Wales Higher School Certificate “Space” Module and Australian Curriculum content: ACSPH129, ACSPH130, ACSPH131, ACSPH132, ACSPH133, ACSPH134.

Students investigate our Universe and space exploration techniques in this hands-on workshop.

What did the big bang really look like? How are the tides formed? Where is Earth in the Solar System? What technological developments were necessary to allow astronauts to work and survive outside of Earth's atmosphere? How do we observe distant galaxies? Why do we visit and study space anyway?Students will gain an appreciation of astronomy and gain insight into our place in the universe.

Your class will have a chance to run experiment during the event using materials provided by your school. Fizzics Education will provide information on materials required prior to the event date.

Should you require a different day please contact us and we'll arrange a suitable time for you!

Australian Curriculum: Science ACSU078, ASCHE083, ACSIS093

Fits within Primary Connections: Earth's Place in Space

The session is presented by Ben Newsome, a recipient of a 2013 Churchill Fellowship on best practice in science education via video conference, 2015 Australian Small Business Champion for Education Services, co-founder of Virtual Excursions Australia and is on the ISTE Video Conferencing Network Leadership Team.

NSW Syllabus Outcomes: Science and TechnologyEarth and its Surroundings: A student...

ES 2.6: identifies some of the features of the solar system and describes interactions that affect conditions on Earth.

Physical Phenomena: A student...PP S3.4: identifies and applies processes involved in manipulating, using and changing the form of energy

Students investigate our Universe and space exploration techniques in this hands-on workshop.

What did the big bang really look like? How are the tides formed? Where is Earth in the Solar System? What technological developments were necessary to allow astronauts to work and survive outside of Earth��s atmosphere? How do we observe distant galaxies? Why do we visit and study space anyway?Students will gain an appreciation of astronomy and gain insight into our place in the universe.

Your class will have a chance to run experiment during the event using materials provided by your school. Fizzics Education will provide information on materials required prior to the event date.

Should you require a different day please contact us and we'll arrange a suitable time for you!

Australian Curriculum: Science ACSU078, ASCHE083, ACSIS093

Fits within Primary Connections: Earth's Place in Space

The session is presented by Ben Newsome, a recipient of a 2013 Churchill Fellowship on best practice in science education via video conference, 2015 Australian Small Business Champion for Education Services, co-founder of Virtual Excursions Australia and is on the ISTE Video Conferencing Network Leadership Team.

NSW Syllabus Outcomes: Science and TechnologyEarth and its Surroundings: A student...

ES 2.6: identifies some of the features of the solar system and describes interactions that affect conditions on Earth.

Physical Phenomena: A student...PP S3.4: identifies and applies processes involved in manipulating, using and changing the form of energy

Viviana has always been fascinated by psychology and what makes people tick, and she has a particular interest in teaching students how to manage study stress. Stress can be both good and bad and in this talk, Viviana will focus on the role of stress in academic performance, and how stress can enhance and hinder performance. As the developer of the Study without Stress program for HSC students, she will discuss simple techniques that students can use to manage stress levels and maximise academic performance.

ABOUT THE PRESENTER

Viviana has keen interest in working with individuals with mental disorders right across the lifespan including children and older adults. She works both as a practicing clinical psychologist, as well as an academic conducting research to develop and evaluate psychological interventions to assist children, adolescents and older adults to overcome anxiety and depression using relatively simply techniques. Viviana completed a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) at Macquarie University, followed by a Masters of Psychology (Clinical) at the University of New South Wales. Whilst working as a Clinical Psychologist in private practice, she returned to Macquarie University to complete a Ph.D. in psychology. She is now a practising clinical psychologist and Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at Macquarie University where she conducts research and teaches Masters of Clinical Psychology students.

Relevant HSC Syllabus area: (1) The farm as a business(a) the place of the farm in the wider community (i) describe a wide variety of farm business structures from the family farm to the corporate enterprise (b) decision making processes and management strategies(i) factors of quality and quantity that influence decision making(ii) factors of quality and quantity that influence decision making(c) marketing strategies(i) discuss strategies available to farmers to market farm products such as vertical integration, contract selling, direct marketing, cooperatives and marketing boards

Discover the properties of plastics and polystyrene foam, analyse their lifecycles, then explore innovative solutions to create more environmentally-friendly materials. Pull up your sleeves ��� make your own creation using an eco-friendly, sustainable material to ensure a better future for the planet.

This series of 3 workshops for upper primary students will be presented by the Sydney Story Factory’s Storyteller-in-Chief, Richard Short.

PLEASE BOOK ALL THREE SESSIONS

WORKSHOP 1: Teacher PD - Divergent to Convergent Thinking - the Robot Bird Approach to Creative Writing6 August 20153.00pm - 4.00pmN.B Prerequisite for participation in the series.First PD Workshop is for all schools who wish to participate in the series (free for DE and AP Schools)

WORKSHOP 2 Student Workshop #1 Robot Bird- Poetry BOOK SEPARATELY13 August 2015 9.30am - 10.30am for DE and AP SCHOOLS ONLY (FREE))11.00am-12.00pm OPEN for all other schools ($125.00 per 30 students)

WORKSHOP 3 Student Workshop #2 Robot Bird - The Story BOOK SEPARATELY20 August 20159.30am - 10.30am for DE and AP SCHOOLS ONLY (FREE)11.00am-12.00pm OPEN for all other schools ($125.00 per 30 students)

NB Following the second student writing workshop, all DE and AP school students will be allocated a Sydney Story Factory ‘Pen-Pal’ mentor who will provide specific feedback on their written work for a period of 3 weeks.

TUNE UP FOR NAPLAN T.rex Versus the NAPLAN - join author Paul Stafford & dinosaur whiz Penny Packham in a 3 week module with a different persuasive text focus each meeting in a fun mix of literacy & science. Develop, write & read persuasive texts based on the amazing Somerville Collection. Come and discover why we won the Museums & Galleries National Award (2011), the NSW Galleries IMAGinE Award (2010) and a host of other prizes. Maximum 4 schools per module.

In this fun and engaging video conference students will understand how to classify living things by identifying and sorting similar characteristics. They will learn about the life cycles of plants and animals, gaining an understanding that offspring (including crossbred animals) may have similar characteristics to their parents. Students will learn how the evolving knowledge of animals has influenced farming practices and will draw comparisons of Australia’s farming past to current farming practices.

In this fun and engaging video conference students will learn to identify living things, how they grow and change and what they need to survive. Students will learn about the life cycles of living things and how the needs of animals are met. This lesson also enables students to understand the process of food production from paddock to plate.

In this fun and engaging video conference students will learn to identify living things, how they grow and change and what they need to survive. Students will learn about the life cycles of living things and how the needs of animals are met. This lesson also enables students to understand the process of food production from paddock to plate.

In celebration of Biodiversity Month, Taronga Western Plains Zoo in partnership with the Department of Education and Communities Dart Connections Team, will be conducting a Video Conference Series with a focus on Australian animals. We will discuss their amazing adaptations, lifecycles, role in the environment, habitats, their current threats and information on what your students can do to take action For the Wild! The series will provide a unique opportunity for us to focus on the critically endangered Tasmanian Devil and learn about its biology and ecology and the disease that is currently contributing to its decline. The second video conference will occur Behind the Scenes at the Tasmanian Devil breeding facility. The presentation will occur from one of our key Tasmanian Devil keepers and will include access to very special footage of these fascinating animals!

In celebration of Biodiversity Month, Taronga Western Plains Zoo in partnership with the Department of Education and Communities Dart Connections Team, will be conducting a Video Conference Series with a focus on Australian animals. We will discuss their amazing adaptations, lifecycles, role in the environment, habitats, their current threats and information on what your students can do to take action For the Wild! The series will provide a unique opportunity for us to focus on the critically endangered Tasmanian Devil and learn about its biology and ecology and the disease that is currently contributing to its decline. The second video conference will occur Behind the Scenes at the Tasmanian Devil breeding facility. The presentation will occur from one of our key Tasmanian Devil keepers and will include access to very special footage of these fascinating animals!

Join a CAASTRO astrophysicist as they share their enthusiasm for new astronomy research and make connections between current research and the Australian Curriculum content for Year 10 (Stage 5) Science.

Topics include the Big Bang Theory, the age of the universe, and the formation of galaxies and stars.

Professor Tamara Davis is an award-winning astrophysicist based at the University of Queensland in Brisbane. She spends most of her time trying to figure out why the expansion of the universe is accelerating, and thus figure out whether we can harness that acceleration to make things like hoverboards or clean energy. One of the most highly cited astrophysicists in the world, Tamara has been awarded many prizes; including the 2015 Nancy Millis Medal for Women in Science by the Australian Academy of Science. She is a highly engaging speaker with a passion for playing ultimate Frisbee.

Experience a iKiFit Safe Respectful Learners class . The session will be facilitated by Student Leaders- iKiCrew - from Lightning ridge, Trangie and Wellington. Brougth to you live from CSU Campus in Dubbo.The iKiFit Safe Respectful learners program combines a simple Positive Behaviour Enhancement formula that is modelled by the students. Combined with the Learn Online iKiDance, Fitness routines it brings a whole new dimension to classroom engagement and learning.To see what the session will look life paste the link into your browser https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5cH3HN2B9dw&list=UUQmAbmjO-fwRNZTvzWVlqWQ

Note: All workshops offered by The Big Issue Classroom can be scheduled at a time to suit you. Please call Sam Clark on 02 8332 7200 or email nswclassroom@bigissue.org.au to arrange a session.

The Big Issue Classroom is a social enterprise initiative of The Big Issue. Our online workshops provide students with a "real-life" insight into homelessness, marginalisation and disadvantage, as experienced by thousands of Australians every night. By booking a workshop you are helping to create employment for disadvantaged Australians, enabling them to earn an income, regain confidence, and move on with their lives.

The Big Issue Classroom truly is "a Classroom Experience That Makes a Difference."

In all workshops, a specialist facilitator challenges stereotypes about homelessness and explains how The Big Issue helps people reconnect with the community. We then share a personal story of homelessness. For secondary students, this is a first-hand account from someone who has experienced homelessness personally. For primary students, we share an interactive illustrated version.

Both primary and secondary workshops are available. Please specify which workshop you would like. For a list of workshops, please visit our website www.thebigissue.org.au/the-big-issue-classroom-about/

Visit the Sweet Addiction exhibition within our brand new world-class horticultural attraction, The Calyx, from the classroom and find out where your chocolate comes from.

What Happens?• Without leaving the school you can visit the Exhibition Sweet Addiction the botanic story of chocolate at the Calyx. • Botanic Gardens educator will unpack how our rainforest tree becomes chocolate.• You will see real rainforest plants, detailed models of the cacao pod, a sneak peek inside the exhibition and hear the mysterious noises of the rainforest.Students will...• Be led through the exciting new Sweet Addiction exhibition to see the indoor rainforest, chocolate plantation, amazing amount of ingredients that go into chocolate making • Learn about plant life cycles and the life cycle of the chocolate tree and plant adaptations to rainforest environments • View detailed videos and images to see the botanic story of chocolate come alive• Understand the sustainability issues surrounding chocolate farming• Reenact the pollination and life cycle of the Cacao tree• Have the opportunity to ask questions about rainforests and chocolate production

Visit the Sweet Addiction exhibition within our brand new world-class horticultural attraction, The Calyx, from the classroom and find out where your chocolate comes from.

What Happens?• Without leaving the school you can visit the Exhibition Sweet Addiction the botanic story of chocolate at the Calyx. • Botanic Gardens educator will unpack how our rainforest tree becomes chocolate.• You will see real rainforest plants, detailed models of the cacao pod, a sneak peek inside the exhibition and hear the mysterious noises of the rainforest.Students will...• Be led through the exciting new Sweet Addiction exhibition to see the indoor rainforest, chocolate plantation, amazing amount of ingredients that go into chocolate making • Learn about plant life cycles and the life cycle of the chocolate tree and plant adaptations to rainforest environments • View detailed videos and images to see the botanic story of chocolate come alive• Understand the sustainability issues surrounding chocolate farming• Reenact the pollination and life cycle of the Cacao tree• Have the opportunity to ask questions about rainforests and chocolate production

Visit the Sweet Addiction exhibition within our brand new world-class horticultural attraction, The Calyx, from the classroom and find out where your chocolate comes from.

What Happens?• Without leaving the school you can visit the Exhibition Sweet Addiction the botanic story of chocolate at the Calyx. • Botanic Gardens educator will unpack how our rainforest tree becomes chocolate.• You will see real rainforest plants, detailed models of the cacao pod, a sneak peek inside the exhibition and hear the mysterious noises of the rainforest.Students will...• Be led through the exciting new Sweet Addiction exhibition to see the indoor rainforest, chocolate plantation, amazing amount of ingredients that go into chocolate making • Learn about plant life cycles and the life cycle of the chocolate tree and plant adaptations to rainforest environments • View detailed videos and images to see the botanic story of chocolate come alive• Understand the sustainability issues surrounding chocolate farming• Reenact the pollination and life cycle of the Cacao tree• Have the opportunity to ask questions about rainforests and chocolate production

The Feelings Were Harder To Dislodge Than I Initially Imagined by Agatha Gothe-Snape is a unique offering to schools inviting students to experience a participatory artwork designed specifically for a remotely connected audience. The performance of the work is followed by discussion led by MCA artist educators.

Agatha Gothe-Snape is a young Australian artist whose work has been widely exhibited and is held in a number of public collections including the MCA Collection. Her practice stems from improvisational performance. It draws upon and records interpersonal and spatio-emotional exchanges around art and art contexts.

The Feelings Were Harder To Dislodge Than I Initially Imagined by Agatha Gothe-Snape is a unique offering to schools inviting students to experience a participatory artwork designed specifically for a remotely connected audience. The performance of the work is followed by discussion led by MCA artist educators.

Agatha Gothe-Snape is a young Australian artist whose work has been widely exhibited and is held in a number of public collections including the MCA Collection. Her practice stems from improvisational performance. It draws upon and records interpersonal and spatio-emotional exchanges around art and art contexts.

The Feelings Were Harder To Dislodge Than I Initially Imagined by Agatha Gothe-Snape is a unique offering to schools inviting students to experience a participatory artwork designed specifically for a remotely connected audience. The performance of the work is followed by discussion led by MCA artist educators.

Agatha Gothe-Snape is a young Australian artist whose work has been widely exhibited and is held in a number of public collections including the MCA Collection. Her practice stems from improvisational performance. It draws upon and records interpersonal and spatio-emotional exchanges around art and art contexts.

A 60-75 minute presentation on how parents can keep youth safe online followed by a Q&A session. Whether you are a new parent, a grandparent, care for kids or anything in between, this presentation will prepare you with the basics to keep youth safe online. With holidays around the corner, children will have more time to be online and potentially be exposed to a wide array of technologies. This presentation aims to assist parents in keeping their children safe online. ThinkUKnow is an Internet safety program delivering interactive training to parents, carers and teachers through primary and secondary schools across Australia using a network of accredited trainers. ThinkUKnow has been developed by the Australian Federal Police (AFP), Microsoft Australia, Datacom and the Commonwealth Bank.The 60-75 minute presentation, which includes time for Q&A, is delivered by two accredited volunteers paired together to take advantage of both law enforcement and industry-specific skills and knowledge. We use PowerPoint with real life case studies and videos to assist in getting the message across. It is never too early, or too late, to prepare yourself for the online world. In this session you will learn about technologies children are using and challenges faced. Most importantly, if things do go wrong we teach you where to go so you are never alone. If participants can have some prepared questions it would be useful. As well as question time at the end of the presentation, questions can be sent via twitter using #mohdvc or to mohdvc@unsw.edu.au at any time.

A 60-75 minute presentation on how parents can keep youth safe online followed by a Q&A session. Whether you are a new parent, a grandparent, care for kids or anything in between, this presentation will prepare you with the basics to keep youth safe online. With holidays around the corner, children will have more time to be online and potentially be exposed to a wide array of technologies. This presentation aims to assist parents in keeping their children safe online. ThinkUKnow is an Internet safety program delivering interactive training to parents, carers and teachers through primary and secondary schools across Australia using a network of accredited trainers. ThinkUKnow has been developed by the Australian Federal Police (AFP), Microsoft Australia, Datacom and the Commonwealth Bank.The 60-75 minute presentation, which includes time for Q&A, is delivered by two accredited volunteers paired together to take advantage of both law enforcement and industry-specific skills and knowledge. We use PowerPoint with real life case studies and videos to assist in getting the message across. It is never too early, or too late, to prepare yourself for the online world. In this session you will learn about technologies children are using and challenges faced. Most importantly, if things do go wrong we teach you where to go so you are never alone. If participants can have some prepared questions it would be useful. As well as question time at the end of the presentation, questions can be sent via twitter using #mohdvc or to mohdvc@unsw.edu.au at any time.

ThinkUKnow is a free, evidence-based cyber safety program that provides accessible cyber safety education to parents, carers and teachers. ThinkUKnow Australia is a partnership between the Australian Federal Police, Microsoft Australia, Datacom and the Commonwealth Bank, delivered in conjunction with State and Territory Police.

The sessions are delivered by knowledgeable volunteers and designed for adults to equip them with the skills and resources needed to ensure the internet remains a safe place for their children and students. ThinkUKnow aims to address any concerns associated with their child's online safety and provide information and suggestions on how to support your children/students to make well informed decisions while online

ThinkUKnow is a free, evidence-based cyber safety program that provides accessible cyber safety education to parents, carers and teachers.

ThinkUKnow Australia is a partnership between the Australian Federal Police, Microsoft Australia, Datacom and the Commonwealth Bank, delivered in conjunction with State and Territory Police.

The sessions are delivered by knowledgeable volunteers and designed for adults to equip them with the skills and resources needed to ensure the internet remains a safe place for their children and students. ThinkUKnow aims to address any concerns associated with their child's online safety and provide information and suggestions on how to support your children/students to make well informed decisions while online

We want to help your class create exceptional artworks for the Macarthur Threatened Species Art Competition through our special crafted video conferences.This is an opportunity to inspire and educate your students on threatened plants and animals and learn some creative tips as well.In this free video conference for Macarthur primary schools the education team from The Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan will show your students up close some endangered and threatened plants and animals from the Cumberland Plain Woodland and learn about their special features and habits.Students will also learn some art tips to put use for producing their entries in the Macarthur Threatened Species Art Competition.

These video conferences will be advertised on the Dart Connections calendar and your school will need to have the appropriate video conferencing equipment.Connections videoconferences are available to NSW Department of Education and Training sites/schools/TAFE/Non NSW DEC Schools where the appropriate videoconferencing and internet connectivity exists. Schools external to the DEC must have H.323 compliant video conferencing equipment.

As these video conferences are for the Macarthur Threatened Species Art Competition it will only be open to schools from this region so don’t miss out and register now for this special opportunity

This TouchDevelop workshop will see participants discover how to code through a visual programming language. This Video Conference will be run as a virtual computer lab, where our educator will facilitate a number of activities where learners will use TouchDevelop’s interactive environment for developing, testing and running programs, to write scripts by tapping on the screen of their mobile device, or by using individual PC’s.

Why learn to code?- Coding develops logical problem-solving, creativity and critical thinking skills: 21st century skills employers value in any job sector.- Student career opportunities within computer science, software development and engineering fields where job shortages currently exist.- As the world depends on technology more and more, it’s important young people have a strong understanding of how technology works in order to reach their full potential.

IMPORTANT:- TouchDevelop is HTML 5 based so all you need is a web enabled device and an up-to-date web browser (No installation or plugins needed).- Supported by a number of platforms (Windows, Android, iOS) and majority of web browsers (Internet Explorer, Safari and Chrome)

Pupils will follow Kadel the Kangaroo around France’s beautiful regions. The Alliance Française de Sydney and NSW Department of Education have created culturally and linguistically enhancing lessons to complement language teaching in local schools. This workshop consists of 10 independent units. With Kadel you will enjoy learning French grammar and vocabulary with various fun activities.

You can choose from the following workshops:

· Introduction : Préparatifs avant le depart. Pupils will learn how to introduce themselves, pack a bag with clothes and accessories for their travel. Activity: they will make their own passport .· Lesson 1: La Nouvelle-Calédonie: Pupils will learn how to talk about their family, discover New Caledonia throught places, customs, wildlife. Activity: jeu des 10 familles· Lesson 2: Ile-de-France: Pupils will learn how to count to 20, indicate a direction, discover Paris throught its monuments. Activity: game on monuments, and game boarding (jeu de l’oie)· Lesson 3 : Normandie & Bretagne: Pupils will discover a gastronomic region and learn how to make crepes and follow a recipe : vocabulary for ingredients, utensils. Activity: crepe making· Lesson 4 : Centre et Pays de la Loire: Pupils will discover this beautiful region throught castles, forts, history of kings and lords and learn how to talk about accomodation, rooms and objects that belong to each room . Activity: Hidden words, bingo and fortified castle competition.· Lesson 5 : Aquitaine et Midi-Pyrénées: Pupils will discover this beautiful region throught a prehistory’ angle : what were the customs in Palaeolithic? What animals were there? They will learn how to talk about the wild animals and discover the Lascaux Cave. Activity: puzzle.· Lesson 6 : Provence, Côte d’Azur, et Corse: Pupils will learn names for transportation. They will go in a journey through the south of France: Aix en provence, orange and learn specifics about this region. Activity: labyrinth· Lesson 7 : Rhône-Alpes: Kadel the Kangaroo has arrived in the Alps area, where the Mont Blanc is. In this lesson, pupils will learn what sports they can practise and will also speak about Olympic Games that took place in this area. Activity: picture book, crosswords· Lesson 8 : Alsace Lorraine: Famous for its Christmas Markets, student will discover gastronomy from this area. They will also learn seasons, months and some of traditional celebrations. Activity : song (repeat 3 sounds), calendar quiz, find-a-word· Lesson 9 : Reims Champagne: In this unit, pupils will go on a time machine journey and meet celebrities from the old days. Let’s bring them to the Cathedral in Reims in 499 where they can meet Clovis! They will learn how to interview a celebrity and write a travel diary. Activity: handcraft puppet. · Lesson 10 : Nord-Pas-de-Calais: Pupils will learn how to describe someone in French and discover giants that live in this area. Activity: word association, guessing game.

Pupils will follow Kadel the Kangaroo around France’s beautiful regions. The Alliance Française de Sydney and NSW Department of Education have created culturally and linguistically enhancing lessons to complement language teaching in local schools. This workshop consists of 10 independent units. With Kadel you will enjoy learning French grammar and vocabulary with various fun activities.

You can choose from the following workshops:

· Introduction : Préparatifs avant le depart. Pupils will learn how to introduce themselves, pack a bag with clothes and accessories for their travel. Activity: they will make their own passport .· Lesson 1: La Nouvelle-Calédonie: Pupils will learn how to talk about their family, discover New Caledonia throught places, customs, wildlife. Activity: jeu des 10 familles· Lesson 2: Ile-de-France: Pupils will learn how to count to 20, indicate a direction, discover Paris throught its monuments. Activity: game on monuments, and game boarding (jeu de l’oie)· Lesson 3 : Normandie & Bretagne: Pupils will discover a gastronomic region and learn how to make crepes and follow a recipe : vocabulary for ingredients, utensils. Activity: crepe making· Lesson 4 : Centre et Pays de la Loire: Pupils will discover this beautiful region throught castles, forts, history of kings and lords and learn how to talk about accomodation, rooms and objects that belong to each room . Activity: Hidden words, bingo and fortified castle competition.· Lesson 5 : Aquitaine et Midi-Pyrénées: Pupils will discover this beautiful region throught a prehistory’ angle : what were the customs in Palaeolithic? What animals were there? They will learn how to Talk about the wild animals and discover the Lascaux Cave. Activity: puzzle.· Lesson 6 : Provence, Côte d’Azur, et Corse: Pupils will learn names for transportation. They will go in a journey through the south of France: Aix en provence, orange and learn specifics about this region. Activity: labyrinth· Lesson 7 : Rhône-Alpes: Kadel the Kangaroo has arrived in the Alps area, where the Mont Blanc is. In this lesson, pupils will learn what sports they can practise and will also speak about Olympic Games that took place in this area. Activity: picture book, crosswords· Lesson 8 : Alsace Lorraine: Famous for its Christmas Markets, student will discover gastronomy from this area. They will also learn seasons, months and some of traditional celebrations. Activity : song (repeat 3 sounds), calendar quiz, find-a-word· Lesson 9 : Reims Champagne: In this unit, pupils will go on a time machine journey and meet celebrities from the old days. Let’s bring them to the Cathedral in Reims in 499 where they can meet Clovis! They will learn how to interview a celebrity and write a travel diary. Activity: handcraft puppet. · Lesson 10 : Nord-Pas-de-Calais: Pupils will learn how to describe someone in French and discover giants that live in this area. Activity: word association, guessing game.

Pupils will follow Kadel the Kangaroo around France’s beautiful regions. The Alliance Française de Sydney and NSW Department of Education have created culturally and linguistically enhancing lessons to complement language teaching in local schools. This workshop consists of 10 independent units. With Kadel you will enjoy learning French grammar and vocabulary with various fun activities.

You can choose from the following workshops:

· Introduction : Préparatifs avant le depart. Pupils will learn how to introduce themselves, pack a bag with clothes and accessories for their travel. Activity: they will make their own passport .· Lesson 1: La Nouvelle-Calédonie: Pupils will learn how to talk about their family, discover New Caledonia throught places, customs, wildlife. Activity: jeu des 10 familles· Lesson 2: Ile-de-France: Pupils will learn how to count to 20, indicate a direction, discover Paris throught its monuments. Activity: game on monuments, and game boarding (jeu de l’oie)· Lesson 3 : Normandie & Bretagne: Pupils will discover a gastronomic region and learn how to make crepes and follow a recipe : vocabulary for ingredients, utensils. Activity: crepe making· Lesson 4 : Centre et Pays de la Loire: Pupils will discover this beautiful region throught castles, forts, history of kings and lords and learn how to talk about accomodation, rooms and objects that belong to each room . Activity: Hidden words, bingo and fortified castle competition.· Lesson 5 : Aquitaine et Midi-Pyrénées: Pupils will discover this beautiful region throught a prehistory’ angle : what were the customs in Palaeolithic? What animals were there? They will learn how to talk about the wild animals and discover the Lascaux Cave. Activity: puzzle.· Lesson 6 : Provence, Côte d’Azur, et Corse: Pupils will learn names for transportation. They will go in a journey through the south of France: Aix en provence, orange and learn specifics about this region. Activity: labyrinth· Lesson 7 : Rhône-Alpes: Kadel the Kangaroo has arrived in the Alps area, where the Mont Blanc is. In this lesson, pupils will learn what sports they can practise and will also speak about Olympic Games that took place in this area. Activity: picture book, crosswords· Lesson 8 : Alsace Lorraine: Famous for its Christmas Markets, student will discover gastronomy from this area. They will also learn seasons, months and some of traditional celebrations. Activity : song (repeat 3 sounds), calendar quiz, find-a-word· Lesson 9 : Reims Champagne: In this unit, pupils will go on a time machine journey and meet celebrities from the old days. Let’s bring them to the Cathedral in Reims in 499 where they can meet Clovis! They will learn how to interview a celebrity and write a travel diary. Activity: handcraft puppet. · Lesson 10 : Nord-Pas-de-Calais: Pupils will learn how to describe someone in French and discover giants that live in this area. Activity: word association, guessing game.

Our oceans are massive, and they are mysterious. Less than 10% of our deep oceans have been explored in any great detail. Nevertheless, what we do know is fascinating!

This virtual excursion introduces students to the wonderful diversity beneath the waves, and looks at the challenges people face in ocean exploration. They will explore biodiversity, buoyancy and technology. Your students will even get to try and build their very own submarine!

Have you been to the NSW Parliament, Australia's oldest parliament? Let our Serjeant-at-arms and Usher of the Black Rod take you on a tour of our House. See the historic Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council Chambers; find out how laws are made and how Parliament works. A fun and interactive program where students practise carrying a ceremonial mace and lunging like a lion salient; as well as learning about the Westminster system and how democracy developed in Australia.

Have you been to the NSW Parliament, Australia's oldest parliament? Let our Serjeant-at-arms and Usher of the Black Rod take you on a tour of our House. See the historic Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council Chambers; find out how laws are made and how Parliament works. A fun and interactive program where students practise carrying a ceremonial mace and lunging like a lion salient; as well as learning about the Westminster system and how democracy developed in Australia.

What is air pressure? Why are low and high pressure areas important?How are clouds formed? What is our atmosphere made of anyway?What conditions are needed to cause tornados? And more!Students will gain an appreciation of meteorology and gain insight into how our climate operates.You will also get to run some simple science experiments in your room on air pressure.NSW Syllabus Outcomes: Science and TechnologyEarth and its Surroundings A student:ES 2.6: identifies some of the features of the solar system and describes interactions that affect conditions on Earth.ES 3.6: recognises that the Earth is the source of most materials and resources, and describes phenomena and processes, both natural and human, that form and change the Earth over time.Physical Phenomena. A student:PP S3.4: identifies and applies processes involved in manipulating, using and changing the form of energy.Australian Curriculum Outcomes: Science(ACSSU004), (ACSSU049), (ACSSU076), (ACSSU096)Fits within COGS Unit 'Local Environments'.

ABOUT THE PRESENTATIONThe word ‘shark’ can invoke fearful images for many people. But in reality, millions of sharks are being fished every year, and they should be fearing humans, and not the other way around. In the past few decades we have come to understand the integral part that sharks play within our ecosystems and the consequences that removing them has on the ocean’s biodiversity. By using some state-of-the-art technology systems we can better understand why sharks are doing what they do. In this talk, Kate will share with you what drove her to work in this area of research, what some of the current research is telling us, and some of the difficulties that she faced along the way. She hopes that by the end of the talk, students will have a better understanding of the career options a degree in science can provide and the rewards that tertiary education can bring.

ABOUT THE PRESENTERKate finished her Bachelor of Science in England in 2006. Shortly after, she went travelling in Thailand and fell in love with scuba diving. She remained in South East Asia for a year working and travelling but felt that not enough was being done to protect the beautiful underwater world. She moved to Australia in 2008 to start a Masters of Wildlife Conservation and ended up becoming involved in a diving project looking at wobbegong sharks. By saying yes to every opportunity that arose during this time, Kate ended up working on these sharks as part of her PhD project. Since then she has worked with teams all over the country tagging and tracking the movements of various shark species. This information is critical to improve the management shark species and protect this ocean predator.

To celebrate World Environment Day the Australian Museum is participating in the World Environment Day video conference festival. Bugwise brings the world of invertebrates to your students, engaging them in real science in local environments. Bugwise explores the exciting and diverse world of invertebrates. Students will learn how to identify common groups of invertebrates and why they are important. The workshop is designed to provide information and skills that will enable you and your students to conduct an invertebrate survey in your school.

Wacky expert Professor Pufferfish and field agent Greene McClean will find out what happens to the rubbish we leave behind. If it finds its way into our drains and waterways it can affect our wildlife and our environment.

Students work with our intrepid investigators to work out how we can all help in a practical way. Features a filmed interview with Clean up Australia Day founder Ian Kiernan

HAPPY COMPOST WEEK! Join with other classes to learn about worm farming. Follow a demonstration of a procedure for setting up a worm farm from scratch. Share your compost experiences, what has worked at school and what is not working now. There will be a reading of Kellie Bollard's book Worms: The Mechanics of Organics. This is a title from the NSW K-2 Premiers Reading Challenge. Digital microscopy, worm word Olympics, and an interclass challenge will just about squeeze into this interactive session.

Join Author Paul Stafford to learn how to historical fiction based on your history. Narrative writing workshop which will cover the essential elements of writing a narrative, modelled by an author, using history as a creative springboard for generating ideas. Paul will lead the students through the process of brainstorming, planning and writing narratives in a limited time frame.